Italy plans to snap ties with India over marines’ issue?

It seems Italy is planning to snap diplomatic ties with India over its two marines’ issue. Italy has recalled its ambassador to India on Wednesday for urgent consultations. However, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that it doesn’t mean Italy wants to snap ties with India.

Earlier, in the last year when Italy has refused to send back its two marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone to India, who were accused in killing of two Indian fishermen near Chennai coast, the Supreme Court of India has directed the government of India not to let the Italian ambassador to India leave the country without its permission. Then only, Italy has sent back its two marines to India, with a condition that they should not be given capital punishment in this case.

However, they both were once again allowed to go to Italy few months ago on a condition that they will return to India in December this year. However, they appealed the court to extend their stay in Italy. While the marine Latorre is seeking extension on health grounds, the other wants to extension to celebrate Christmas festival with his family. But, the Supreme Court has rejected their pleas and ordered them to return to India without any excuses.

Italy has expressed its disappointment on the Supreme Court’s decision and warned that the issue may impact the relations between both countries. Keeping in view of previous experience, it is recalling its Ambassador as a preventive measure. Italy argues that the Supreme Court of India has no right to deal this case as the incident happened out of its jurisdiction in the international waters. Italy is insisting for an ‘amicable solution’ to this issue instead of letting the Supreme Court of India deal their case.

Italy Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said the government’s priority is full physical recovery of its marine and can’t let the case jeopardize his health condition. So, evidently Italy is not willing to send back its two marines to India and at the same time seems is planning to snap diplomatic ties with India for the sake of its two marines.