India commends Afghanistan on holding of prez election

India on Sunday commended the people, the government and the security forces of Afghanistan for the successful conduct of the presidential election, calling it an important milestone in promoting peace, security and stability in the country. The presidential election took place in Afghanistan on Saturday amid tight security. The two main contenders were incumbent President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

"India commends the people, the government and the security forces of Afghanistan for the successful conduct of presidential elections on September 28 amidst challenging circumstances," the external affairs ministry said in a statement. "We congratulate the Afghan people for once again demonstrating their faith in democratic governance and constitutional processes despite threats, intimidation and violence," it said.

The statement said the election was an important milestone in people's efforts to promote peace, security, stability, prosperity and democracy in Afghanistan. India has been a key stakeholder in Afghanistan and has already spent around USD 3 billion in the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.

India was strongly pushing for the holding of the presidential elections in the country.