“The Italian ambassador was summoned by the foreign secretary and India's position was conveyed to him in the strongest of terms.
“It was conveyed to him that India expects Italy as a country that is committed to the rule of law to fulfil the sovereign undertaking given by it to the Supreme Court of India.
“It was only following this undertaking that the Supreme Court allowed the Marines to travel to and remain in Italy for four weeks and return to India under the care, supervision and control of the Italian Republic.
“It was conveyed to the Italian ambassador that the Italian government was obliged to ensure their return to India within the stipulated period.”
The prime minister gave his assurance to a delegation of furious Congress MPs from Kerala amid opposition charges of “collusion” between the Italian and Indian governments.
Congress MP P.C. Chacko quoted the prime minister as saying that he would speak to External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and “whatever needs to be done through diplomatic channels will be done”.
Khurshid said earlier that India was studying the Italian decision and that it was a “collective decision” to permit the Italian marines to vote in Italy.
“It was not just a Supreme Court decision but our country's collective decision. They did return after Christmas and we will respond after seeing what reasoning Italy has given,” Khurshid said here.
The Italian decision was reportedly taken by its defence and justice ministries in consultation with the country's prime minister's office, the Italian foreign ministry announced Monday.
Italy claims the incident occurred in international waters and has been trying to get Latorre and Girone tried in Italian courts. India argues the killings took place in Indian territory.
The incensed wife of one of the dead fishermen demanded that the Italians be brought back to India.
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