India on Friday hoped that Pakistan would return to stability and democracy as soon as possible after the Commonwealth suspended the Islamic country from the group.

"We have noted the decision of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Action Group. Our hope remains that Pakistan will return to stability and democracy as soon as possible," external affairs ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna said.

Sarna was reacting to the decision by the 53-member Commonwealth to suspend Pakistan pending the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in that country, after President Pervez Musharraf failed to meet a deadline to lift emergency which he had imposed on November 3 and step down as army chief.