Matteo Renzi speaks to Narendra Modi, seeks early resolution of marines issue

NEW DELHI/ROME: As his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi sought an early resolution of the marines issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told him that the matter is subjudice and that the Indian judicial process should be allowed to to take its own course.

Renzi had a telephonic conversation with Modi today during which he said Italy hoped for a "rapid and positive solution" in the case of the two Italian marines being held in India for allegedly shooting to death two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012.

An official release issued in Delhi said that during the conversation that took place at the request of the Italian side Modi emphasized that a fair and early resolution was in mutual interest. It said Renzi requested for early resolution of the marines issue.

Modi conveyed that the matter is subjudice before the Supreme Court of India in writ petitions filed by the marines and encouraged the Italian side to allow the judicial process to take its own course.

In this context, he emphasized that Indian judiciary is free, fair and independent and that the government was convinced it will take all aspects into consideration in adjudicating the case.

"We hope for a rapid, positive solution," Renzi told Modi during the conversation, Italian news agency ANSA quoted Renzi's office as saying.