World leaders have hailed the toppling of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak as a historic victory of people.

India has welcomed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s decision to step down and the commitment of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to ensure a peaceful transition of power in a time-bound manner and open a democratic framework of governance. In a statement, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna expressed happiness at the outcome.

US President Barack Obama said the people of Egypt had spoken and would settle for nothing less than genuine democracy.

UN Chief Ban Ki Moon praised Mubarak for bowing to the will of the people and taking a difficult decision, taken in the wider interests of the Egyptian people.

British Prime Minister Cameron described the time as a precious moment of opportunity for Egyptians to move towards civilian and democratic rule.