An Argentinian news outlet has drawn criticism for displaying a picture of "The Simpsons" character Apu while announcing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Buenos Aires on Friday for the Group of 20 (G-20) summit.

News station Cronica TV used the headline "Apu arrives" and included the image of the Simpsons character as Modi landed in Argentina for the G-20 trade summit, according to the BBC.

The move sparked widespread backlash online, with social media users blasting the news channel for using the Indian shopkeeper character to portray the politician.

Music from the film "Slumdog Millionaire" was played in the background of the network's broadcast for the prime minister's arrival.

The character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has been a staple of "The Simpsons" since 1990 and runs a convenience store.

A documentary made by Indian-American filmmaker Hari Kondabolu focusing on Apu's character argued that the character is based on racial stereotypes.