Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh on Tuesday said all necessary steps have been taken to bring back embattled tycoon Vijay Mallya from the United Kingdom but, 'as of now', no time frame can be specified for his extradition.

Singh told reporters here that the documents required for the purpose of extradition have been sent to the UK.

"...They are examining the papers and we are waiting. Whenever the UK gives a go ahead, Mallya can be brought back to India," he said.

Extradition is not as easy and simple as people think, the union minister said, adding that some conditions are laid down when an extradition treaty is signed with a country.

The UK and its laws believe that if someone enters their country with a valid passport which is later cancelled they would not take action, he said.

"From India's side, the documents required for the purpose have been sent on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate to the UK authorities who are examining the papers before taking a decision," Singh said.

"No time frame can be specified now as to when the liquor baron would be brought back to India," he said.

The minister's statement came on a day when Mallya, who is wanted in India on loan defaults to several banks, is set to appear before the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London for his extradition case hearing. -- PTI