Indian government clueless over Italian marines; Kerala puts onus on centre

NEW DELHI: The government is battling with international and domestic crises after two Italian marines being tried for the murder of Kerala fishermen flew the coop.

Seemingly befuddled, South Block gave the Italian envoy a talking to and said more action would follow, but the government is faced with unpalatable options. In addition to dealing with Rome, it has to ward off pressure from Thiruvananthapuram and cope with suggestions by the Opposition linking the flight of the marines with the Congress president.

The ministry of external affairs said in a statement that on March 6, Italy sought a diplomatic resolution of the issue. Five days later, it conveyed the message that it was reneging on its promise of returning the marines because it does not agree with Indian jurisdiction for the trial.

"It was conveyed to him (the Italian ambassador) that India expects Italy as a country that is committed to rule of law to fulfill the sovereign undertaking given by it to the Supreme Court of India," a statement from the external affairs ministry said. The marines were allowed to travel home for Christmas last year but they returned, apparently lulling India into complacency that they would come back.

The BJP made it clear it suspects the government's motives. "This is not a diplomatic lapse; this is diplomatic collusion," said Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley. There was little support from Congress colleagues in Kerala. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was unequivocal that the responsibility for securing the marines' return was with New Delhi.