India replaces New Zealand envoy

India has replaced its controversial high commissioner to New Zealand, Harish Kumar Dogra.

Mr Dogra's credentials have been withdrawn and another diplomat, KP Ernest, has been named his successor, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

The spokesman said Mr Dogra "continues to stay" in New Zealand despite having pledged to return to India on 15 April.

Mr Dogra was ordered back to Delhi after reportedly antagonising members of New Zealand's Indian community.

Some in the 100,000-strong community had accused him of denying them travel visas.

Mr Dogra defended his actions and responded to the recall order by launching an attack on his boss, the Indian foreign secretary, Shyam Saran.

Foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said on Wednesday that Mr Dogra "was recalled on 1 March and he indicated that he'll come back by the first week of April".

According to Mr Sarna, Mr Dogra then revised this date to 15 April.

"He has failed to adhere to his own schedule and continues to stay on in New Zealand," Mr Sarna said.

Mr Sarna did not give any reason for replacing Mr Dogra, saying: "I cannot get into charges and counter-charges."

Mr Dogra was appointed as high commissioner in Wellington in 2004.