Italy calls envoy in India for consultations on trial of the Italian marines

Italy on Tuesday called its Ambassador to India, Daniel Mancini, for consultations on the trial of two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen on the day India's apex court asked the government to clearly state its stand on the issue.

Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said in Rome Tuesday that the envoy has been called to Rome for "consultations" after India's Supreme Court again delayed a ruling on the trial of the marines accused, ANSA reported. The move comes a day after Mateo Renzi assumed office as Italy's new prime minister. Informed sources in Rome said it was natural that he would want to be briefed on the case against the marines.

In New Delhi, also on Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked the central government to categorically spell out its stand about the law under which the marines are to be tried. An apex court bench headed by Justice BS Chauhan asked the government to spell out its stand in writing by next Wednesday, when it takes up the matter for further hearing. 

Massimilliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone have been held in India since February 2012 when they allegedly shot dead two Indian fishermen off the coast of the south Indian state of Kerala, mistaking them for pirates. The marines were serving as security personnel on an Italian oil tanker crossing the Indian Ocean.

India claims jurisdiction in the case while Italy alleges the incident took place in international waters and the marines should be tried in their home country.