The government has stripped diplomat Devyani Khobragade off her duties in the Ministry of External Affairs, days after she spoke to the media without seeking permission.

As per reports, the MEA has stripped Khobragade of her duties as director in the Development Partnership Division. She has further been placed on "compulsory wait".

An MEA spokesperson said the administrative action against the official has been taken in relation to an ongoing inquiry against her in a vigilance case.

The government action means Khobragade remains in service but has no job for now. She could also face further administrative action, say sources.

The government is also believed to be upset with Khobragade as the IFS officer, who was at the centre of a diplomatic row with the United States last year, failed to disclose that her two children have US passports.

1999 batch officer Khobragade was arrested and strip-searched in New York last December after her domestic help Sangeeta Richards accused her of ill-treatment.

The incident had led to a major diplomatic row and strained relations between the two nations.

While Khobragade was later allowed to return to India, she still faces charges in the US and could be arrested upon return there as she now has no diplomatic immunity.