High Commissioner blasts Indian government

Under fire Indian High Commissioner Harish Kumar Dogra has lashed out at his superiors in New Delhi for recalling him from his post in Wellington without adequate reasons.

He has refused to accept his recall and has accused the Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran of illegal actions that have made India a laughing stock, the Dominion Post reported.

In a letter provided to the newspaper, Mr Dogra calls for Saran to resign.

Mr Dogra, who previously had refused to confirm his recall, said: "Every time I have asked what I have done to merit this decision, I have received ... a classified response to say the decision has been taken after careful consideration."

An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman in New Delhi told the newspaper Mr Dogra's recall was an administrative decision and he could not comment on it.

Last month, more than 30 people staged a protest in Wellington against the apparent recall.

Mr Dogra has faced complaints from some sections of the Indian community in New Zealand about visa delays and refusals.

- NZPA