NEW DELHI — The International Olympic Committee on Tuesday suspended the Indian Olympic Association for chronic violations of the international Olympic Charter, creating one of the most embarrassing episodes in Indian sports history.

The suspension could cost athletes in India financial support from funds provided by the international committee. It also means that unless the sanctions are lifted, Indian athletes cannot compete under the country’s flag in Olympic events.

The I.O.C. said in a statement that its executive board decided to suspend the Indian association because of “its failure to comply with the Olympic Charter and its statutes, failure to inform the I.O.C. in a timely matter, and as a protective measure against government interference in the I.O.A.’s election process.”

Most of India’s sports leaders are politicians who are either too old or have been in power too long to meet international leadership guidelines. While the international committee has been warning Indian leaders for years about such problems, those leaders would have to surrender power to meet the international demands. That has not happened.