Row over marines: India considers downgrading its mission in Italy, say sources

India is reportedly considering downgrading its mission in Italy in the wake of the stand-off between the two countries over Rome's refusal to send back two marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen, sources have told NDTV. A spokesman in the Ministry of External Affairs has also said that India is reviewing "entire expanse of our interaction" with Italy.

The marines - Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone - were guarding an Italian tanker off the Kochi coast in February last year when they shot the two fishermen from Kerala.  They say they mistook them for pirates. Last month, they were allowed by the Supreme Court to travel home for four weeks for Easter and to vote in the national election.

Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini had given a written assurance to the Supreme Court saying the naval officers would return by March 23 to face murder charges. But on Monday, Italy informed India that the men would not be sent back.

The Supreme Court has said the Italian Ambassador cannot leave the country for now as a consequence of Italy's refusal to respect the agreement that the ambassador had made. It has also asked Mr Mancini to explain Italy's reneging of its assurances in court.

Italy says that its decision was taken after India ignored its written offer for diplomatic negotiations, and because New Delhi does not have jurisdiction over the case. It claims the shooting took place in international waters; India disagrees.

Italy says it has "solid reasons" to seek international arbitration in the case. "We have juristically solid reasons to proceed in the direction of international arbitration," Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi told reporters yesterday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has warned Italy that "there could be consequences" if it refuses to return the marines.