[1]The arrest of two Italian Navy Marines on Sunday for allegedly shooting dead two Indian fishermen who they mistook for pirates appeared to be escalating into a diplomatic row.
Italy reiterated on Monday that it should be allowed to deal with the case.
Italy has also stepped up diplomatic efforts to help the arrested men, Latorre Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone, who were on duty on board Italian merchant vessel Enrica Lexie when the incident happened.
In response, New Delhi reiterated its stance that the law should be allowed to take its course now that the matter is in Indian courts.
Noting that the Indian stand was clearly enunciated by external affairs minister S.M. Krishna, highly-placed sources said there had been no change in it. New Delhi has already rejected Rome’s demand for a joint probe.
The duo have been remanded to custody by a Kerala court. An Italian diplomatic team comprising officials from its foreign affairs, defence and justice ministries reached New Delhi on Monday.
The Italian foreign ministry in its statement said their aim is to 'examine various aspects of the case and to collaborate with the goal of establishing the truth beyond the shadow of a doubt'.
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