Expressing happiness over Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef's release after he was cleared of terror charges, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said that the episode will not have any impact on relations between India and Australia.
Australian authorities' action to drop charges against Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef proved that he was not involved in terrorist activities, he told reporters.
The minister expressed happiness over Haneef getting relief after being in detention for nearly four weeks in connection with the failed terror plot in the UK.
"I am glad that charges against Haneef have been dropped. It proves that he is not involved in terrorist activities," Mukherjee said, adding, "The development is good for all concerned."
Replying to a question, the minister said he felt that the Haneef episode will not have any impact on India-Australia relations.
Mukherjee, who had spoken to Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer when Haneef was in detention, said any government was well within its right to prosecute anyone if charges are proved but no person should suffer if he or she is innocent.
