Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that Italy's refusal to send back two marines charged with killing two Indian fishermen is unacceptable. Dr Singh told MPs from Kerala that he will ask External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid to raise the issue with Italy.
Law Minister Ashwani Kumar said the Law and External Affairs Ministries hold consultations on how to proceed effectively in the wake of reports the two Italian Marines may not return to face trial in the killing of two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast. Talking to reporters outside parliament, he said the Government will try to ensure that our laws are respected by foreigners suitably.

Denying the Italian marines’ incident was breach of any agreement between the two governments, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said the marines had returned to Italy as per the Supreme Court order and the Government will pursue the matter.

The BJP has said that in the interest of justice, the two Italian marines be brought back to India, and tried in Indian courts for killing two Kerala fishermen. Party spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said Italy’s refusal to not send the two marines back to India is a betrayal not only to the Indian government but also to the Supreme Court.