The Italian Foreign ministry on Monday sent a formal communication informing the Indian government that the two Italian marines, undergoing trial in India for allegedly killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast, will not return to India. Italy has said that their decision was based on the failure of the Indian government in responding to their requests seeking a diplomatic solution to the case. While external affairs minister Salman Khurshid has said that he will decide on the future course of action only after he has read the letter, Kerala CM Oomen Chandy has termed Italy’s decision as “unacceptable” and urged the Centre to take strong action. Also, the BJP has called it “betrayal” and demanded that the duo be brought back. The accused had been granted permission by the Indian Supreme Court to return to Italy to participate in the country’s general elections after an undertaking by the Italian government. The marines had also been allowed to go home for Christmas last year.

The Italian government’s decision has sparked a fresh debate between the two countries over the terms of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. Should the Indian government be blamed for letting the “killer” marines escape?