Italy finally gave in to Indian government as its two marines facing trial for killing two Indian fishermen will return to India soon. They are likely to arrive today. External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin confirmed the report on Twitter.

“Following diplomatic contacts #Italy informed that Marines will return to #India in accordance with timeline provided to Supreme Court”, Akbaruddin tweeted on Thursday evening.

Italy agreed to send two marines to India under pressure following Indian government talked tough on the issue. The Italian government requested Indian authorities to protect the fundamental rights of two marines in India.

Last week, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed as “unacceptable”. Even Congress President Sonia Gandhi had warned Italy saying no country should take India for granted.

Earlier, Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini had given an undertaking to the Supreme Court that marines – Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone – would return to India by March 22 after voting in the elections.

However, Italy had changed its decision saying they would not send their marines back to India. It led to diplomatic standoff between India and Italy.