New Delhi is examining the letter conveying Italy’s decision to not send back two marines charged with killing two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala last year. Responding to media queries on the letter sent by the Italian Foreign Ministry, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said New Delhi will respond only after seeing what Italy's reasoning is behind its refusal.

Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, charged with homicide for killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast in February last year after mistaking them for pirates, were permitted by the Supreme Court to go to Italy for four weeks to vote in last month’s election.The last time they were allowed to go home during Christmas, they returned to India on the expiry of their leave.

Law Minister Ashwani Kumar said the Law and External Affairs Ministries will hold consultations on how to proceed effectively in the wake of reports that 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 Supreme Court order and the Government will pursue the matter.