India today demanded the return of two Italian marines to face trial for homicide in the country, rejecting the stand of the Italian government which has gone back on its assurances. Angered by a sudden u-turn by the Italian government which refused the return of two marines, charged with killing of two Indian fishermen last year, Ministry of External Affairs summoned Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini to convey India's position on this matter in the strongest terms.

The summoning came a day after the Italian Foreign Ministry refused the return of the two marines, accusing Indian authorities of violating international rights by detaining the marines. It said it was open to let an international arbitrator to assess the case.

Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai after his meeting with the Italian Ambassador, told reporters that Italy was obliged under the assurance given to the Supreme Court to return their marines within the time frame given by it. He said, the note given to India by the Italian Government about their decision not to send back the marines to India for further trial, was rejected by New Delhi.