India mulls options as Italy reneges on return of killer marines
12 Mar 2013
India is left with little option than to take recourse to diplomatic means after the Italian government reneged on its assurance on the return of the Italian marines facing trial in India for killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast.
The external affairs ministry today summoned Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini and read him the Riot Act.
The Italian ambassador had given an undertaking to the Supreme Court on 9 February that he takes "full responsibility" to ensure that the two marines comply with the court's orders.
The government, sources said, is actively considering the expulsion of the Italian ambassador and a simultaneous recall of India' ambassador in Rome as an option.
Sources said these are the options New Delhi can exercise in response to Rome's sudden decision not to return the sailors undergoing trial in India.
Foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai held meetings with key officials of the external affairs ministry as the government considered its options.
