Mancini asked to submit affidavit clarifying Italian govt position

However, as a representative of his government, Mancini is not obliged to take directions from any other government

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An unprecedented crisis hit relations between India and Italy as the Supreme Court asked Italian Ambassador in New Delhi, Daniel Mancini, not to leave India until he had explained why two Marines allegedly involved in the murder of two Indians had not returned from Italy after the court let them go to their country to vote.

Mancini was the guarantor for the two Marines.

He has been asked to provide an affidavit on March 18 explaining the Italian government’s position and has been told not to leave India.

As a representative of his government, Mancini is not obliged to take directions from any other government. The court has however exempted him from a physical appearance.

The court’s directive came after Attroney General GE Vahanvati said the Indian government was “extremely concerned” about the breach of a promise given to the highest court of the land.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tried to inject a note of calm in the proceedings, by claiming it had the matter under control.

"MEA has initiated study of interactions with Italy and will take appropriate decision. The entire expanse of our interaction with Italy is being reviewed, every aspect is being examined carefully and appropriate decisions will be taken after that. Italy must abide by the agreement signed. We are studying bilateral ties. Agreements ought to be respected. We are reviewing our expanse of our bilateral relations with Italy," spokesperson MEA Syed Akbaruddin told reporters here today, amid demands that the Ambassador should be arrested and that he should be declared persona non grata and shipped back home.