The likes of Atwal have helped raise the profile of golf in India

The $2.5m (�1.25m) event, sanctioned by the European Tour and Indian Golf Union, will be the richest in India.

General JJ Singh, president of the IGU, said: "It is an historic moment."

However, the announcement has sparked outrage from the Asian Tour, who have labelled it "unethical" as they were not consulted over the tournament.

"The Asian Tour is appalled with the European Tour's plans to stage a tournament in India without the sanction of the Asian Tour," read a statement from executive chairman Kyi Hla Han.

"This move is clearly unethical and against the protocol that exists within the framework of the International Federation of PGA Tours.

The event is a result of the growing status of the game of golf in India IGU president General JJ Singh

"There has been no approach or communication to inform the Asian Tour about the event or its intentions.

"This action reflects on the European Tour's aggressive direction and highlights an invasive position on Asia."

However, Indian Golf Union head Singh said: "The event is a result of the growing status of the game of golf in India, augmented by the Indian performances across the golfing globe."

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, added: "The growth of the Indian economy has coincided with the emergence of golf as a major sport in the country.

"We are always keen to expand our tournament portfolio into new territories and we believe that the Indian Masters offers huge potential on that front."

Indian golfers such as Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa and Shiv Kapur have made a big impact on the sport in recent years.