Singh's visit will be the first by an Indian premier in 25 years to the Southeast Asian country with which India has steadily built relations over the last decade as a counter to China's growing regional influence.

Suu Kyi supporters celebrated in Myanmar after her National League for Democracy (NLD) party declared that she had secured a seat in parliament in Sunday's by-elections.

The veteran activist's election, if confirmed, would mark the latest dramatic change in the country formerly known as Burma after decades of outright military rule ended last year.

A government official in Delhi, who declined to be named, confirmed Singh would visit Myanmar shortly in response to local reports that a trip was scheduled next month. He gave no further details.

India's engagement with the Myanmar junta drew international criticism, with US President Barack Obama chiding New Delhi during a visit to India in 2010 for not speaking out over human rights abuses in the country.

But India, which shares its remote north-eastern border with Myanmar, feels vindicated by recent signs of change.

The Myanmar government has surprised even its critics over the past year with a string of reforms such as releasing hundreds of political prisoners, but ethnic conflict and alleged rights abuses remain concerns for the West.

Source: AFP