Many have slammed Cronica TV for calling PM Modi the controversial character Apu. (Photo courtesy: Fox Broadcasting Company/Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Argentina for the G20 summit was marred by racist overtones after a local news channel used controversial animated character Apu to mark Modi's visit.

Argentinian channel Cronica TV used the character from the American show The Simpsons to announce that PM Modi had arrived in the country. They used the headline "Apu Arrives" as PM Modi reached Buenos Aires for the international summit.

The show has faced criticism from Indian fans who feel that the character promotes offensive stereotypes, particularly because he is voiced by white actor Hank Azaria.

Social media users reacted negatively to the comparison, with many criticising the channel for the racist overtones of the headline.

Indian-origin comedian Hari Kondabolu, who made a film about the negative influence of Apu, also expressed his disgust.

PM Modi arrived in Buenos Aires on Thursday to take part in the G20 summit during which he will have several bilateral meetings, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping and a historic trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.