Italy today summoned Indian Ambassador Basant Kumar Gupta to voice its "dismay" at the "unacceptable delay" in trying two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen two years ago.
Gupta, who was summoned by the Foreign Ministry Segretary-General Michele Valensise, was told the case "shows an Indian desire to draw out the affair beyond all limits", Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Italy's reaction came within hours of the Supreme Court in New Delhi postponing till February 24 the hearing involving marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, facing murder charges. The hearing was earlier scheduled for today.
Latorre and Girone are facing trial for allegedly killing two Indian fishermen in February 2012.