India High Commission Complain To BBC Over Jeremy Clarkson's Jokes During 'Top Gear India Special'

Jeremy Clarkson is no stranger to offence, but even he might be surprised to learn he's upset an entire country.

There were murmurs of disapproval after the broadcast of the 2011 Christmas Top Gear Special, filmed in India, where Clarkson proceeded to poke fun at the stereotype of India, driving a Jaguar customised with a loo-seat.

Now, the Telegraph reports that the Indian High Commission in London has formally complained to the BBC about the nature of the programme, saying it was misled.

Richard Hammond, Clarkson's co-presenter, had previously told HuffPostUK that the show was a "trade mission".

"We've just finished filming - in Mumbai this time," he said. "We noticed there was a lack of trade between the UK and India, so it felt right to help forge some links."

This is only the latest in a long string of controversies for the wilful Clarkson. The BBC was inundated with viewers' complaints after he told The One Show that striking public sector workers should be shot, and his jokes about Chinese cockle pickers* were equally ill-received.

5.47pm *This article originally said 'cotton pickers' but this has been amended to 'cockle pickers'.