DNA EDIT: Talk tough

Italy’s decision to not send marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone back to India to face trial for murder is a blow to India’s superpower aspiration. The marines are accused of killing two fishermen when they opened fire on a group of fishermen off the coast of Kerala last year. The marines were facing trial in Kerala and the Supreme Court permitted them to go home for a month to vote in Italy’s national elections.

India’s record in trying white-skinned foreigners is pathetic. Kim Davy remains in Denmark despite New Delhi’s repeated requests for his extradition in connection with the Purulia arms drop case. In the Bhopal gas disaster, Union Carbide chairman Warren Anderson was arrested when he landed in India briefly but was inexplicably allowed to fly out. He remains away from the arms of India’s justice system in the US.

Of course, New Delhi’s failure to get Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi to stand trial for his suspected links in the Bofors case has more to do with politics (and the Gandhi family) than with legal hurdles. But taken together, these different cases give the impression that India can be trifled with when it comes to trying foreigners for their crimes here. Are we surprised that Rome has cocked a snook at us?

India must demonstrate zero tolerance towards foreigners who commit crimes here. Italy’s decision shows scant respect for India and its highest court. New Delhi must make its displeasure known by taking the strongest diplomatic and political steps it can. Though Rome may still not send back its marines, India’s actions will at least send a signal to others that we will not tolerate being held in contempt.