India today reiterated that Italy should respect and abide by the agreement signed by its ambassador before the country’s Supreme Court requesting to allow the two Italian marines to visit their home for voting. Briefing reporters in New Delhi this evening, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin asserted that it is incumbent upon Rome to, not go back on its solemn promises given to the apex court that the marines will return to India as per the undertaking.

Akbaruddin said India is reviewing the bilateral ties with Italy and an appropriate action will follow after the process of studying the interactions with that country is over.