New Delhi, Nov 19 (IANS): India Tuesday congratulated Nepal for conducting free and fair elections for the Constituent Assembly and said it was an important step towards realising the Himalayan nation's goal of a democratic future, a statement said.

"The people of Nepal, political parties, government and security forces and the Election Commission of Nepal deserve to be congratulated for this achievement," said a statement from the ministry of external affairs.

"The impressive turnout (around 70 percent) reflects the faith the people of Nepal have reposed in the democratic process," it said.

These were the second such elections in Nepal since the decade-long Maoist revolt ended in 2006. The first in 2008, after monarchy ended in the Himalayan nation, threw up a divided house.

Since then, Nepal has had five governments with short tenures. The 601-member house collapsed in May last year after it failed to agree to a new constitution.

India extended logistical support for the smooth conduct of elections after the Nepal government requested this. India expressed hope Nepal would soon have a new constitution, paving the way for peace, prosperity and stability.