New Delhi:
The Prime Minister today said that the government is willing to discuss in Parliament the escalating diplomatic crisis with Italy over its refusal to send back two marines for trial in India.
The marines, who are accused of shooting two fishermen near Kerala in February last year, were permitted by the Supreme Court to travel home last month. On Monday, Italy informed India that they will not return to face murder charges.
India has described Italy's response as unacceptable, and has asked Rome to honour the commitment that was given to the Supreme Court. Sources say the Italian envoy, Daniele Mancini, could be expelled since he was the one who given an undertaking in court that the marines would be back in Delhi by March 22.
The BJP has accused the government of diplomatic collusion with Italy. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj tweeted this morning, "It is not a case of diplomatic stand off. It is one of diplomatic send off."
Famous lawyer Harish Salve has said he will no longer represent the marines, and described Italy's action as "a breach of faith."
Italy says that its decision is based on India ignoring its written offer for diplomatic negotiations.
The marines were guarding an Italian tanker off the Kochi coast in February last year when they say they mistook two fishermen for pirates and shot them.
Italy claims the shooting took place in international waters, and India does not have jurisdiction. New Delhi disagrees.