India on Friday asked Australia to reissue visa to Bangalore doctor Mohammed Haneef to facilitate his return in the wake of dropping of terror charges against him by the Australian police.
The External Affairs Ministry has also instructed the Indian High Commission in Canberra to "support" Haneef's request for reinstating his visa, cancelled by the Australian government earlier on character grounds.
Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said New Delhi had been taking all possible steps for the release and safe return of Haneef, detained by the Australian police in connection with the failed terror plot in the United Kingdom.
"We have extended all possible help. Even now, we request the Australian government to grant him a proper visa to come back to India as he has not been charged for any offence," he told NDTV.
Prosecutors in Australia on Friday withdrew the case against the 27-year-old doctor, arrested on July 2 and later charged with "recklessly" supporting a terrorist group, at a Brisbane Magistrates' court hearing following a review.
Ahamed said Haneef and his lawyer are thinking about seeking a normal visa for him.
"Now, the High Commission has been instructed to support his request to grant a visa," he added.
"He will come back to India. There are two ways, either he should be deported or he should be granted a visa," Ahamed said.
A Brisbane court had ordered Haneef's release on bail last week, but Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews kept him in prison by cancelling his visa on character grounds.
