A Perth man has been barred from entering India, after authorities found a photo of him brandishing a large gun on social media.

Fahim Awang was denied entry to the country last week, where he was planning to attend a conference on Islam.

The decision is believed to have been triggered by an older photo of him holding an AK 47 which was posted on Facebook.

Sheikh Faizel Gaffoor, President of the WA Muslim Theological Council, has known the young man for more than 20 years and spoke to Gary Adshead on the 6PR Morning Program.