An Indian television news anchor has been sacked after referring to Chinese president Xi Jinping as Eleven Jinping, apparently confusing his name for Roman numerals.

Mr Xi left India today after a visit to boost trade and economic ties that have been marred by a long-standing border dispute.

The TV blooper occurred on a show on Doordarshan News on Wednesday.

"It is an unpardonable mistake," a senior official said on the condition of anonymity, saying the anchor was employed on a casual basis.

"We have debarred her from news reading for a few months."

The official said a shortage of news readers had forced the channel to run some news bulletins with less experienced staff.

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The incident comes at a time when Doordarshan News is trying to reinvent itself to compete with private broadcasters.

Its programs are often a matter of public ridicule for their poor production quality.

The gaffe led to a wave of sarcastic comments on social media.

"The silver lining: At least the anchor knows Roman numerals," kanikagahlaut posted on Twitter.

Reuters