Italy has summoned India’s ambassador to insist that India’s Supreme Court issue a decision soon concerning two Italian marines detained since February for the deaths of two Indian fishermen mistaken for pirates.
Italy maintains the shooting occurred in international waters and that as a result, Rome should have jurisdiction. India claims the ship was in Indian territorial waters. The Indian Supreme Court is to decide on Italy’s petition to try the sailors at home.
In a statement yesterday, the foreign ministry said it was “profoundly bewildered” why the court hasn’t ruled even though arguments ended three months ago. It asked for a decision before Christmas.
The sailors were providing security on a cargo ship when they allegedly shot the fishermen. The dispute has strained diplomatic relations.