Italy says it will send the two marines back to India to face trial for killing two fishermen following an assurance from the Indian government about the protection of their fundamental rights.

In a statement, the Italian government said, it has received written assurances from Indian authorities regarding the treatment to the marines and the protection of their fundamental rights.

Italy's previous decision not to send the marines – Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone – to face trial triggered a diplomatic standoff. The Supreme Court has barred the Italian ambassador from leaving the country.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh last week termed as unacceptable Italy's refusal to send its two marines back to India and said the issue will be taken up with that country.

The Italian marines were on anti-piracy duty aboard a cargo ship off the Kerala coast in February last year when the fishermen, aboard an Indian fishing boat, were killed.

Our correspondent reports that by reversing the earlier decision and agreeing to send back the two marines to face trial in India, better sense seems to have prevailed on the Italian authorities.

The issue had raised tensions between India and Italy with the Indian Supreme Court and the Government taking a firm stand, even at the risk of affecting the bilateral relations.

Whatever happens to Italy's claim of jurisdiction on the plea that the incident took place in international waters, the very fact that a commitment had been made to the Supreme Court of India, the return of the marines is the least New Delhi rightfully expected.