Italy-Indian row: Marines travel to India for trial

Two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen are on their way back to Delhi for trial, Indian officials say, as diplomatic tensions ease.

India had allowed them to travel to Italy to vote in last month's election.

When they failed to return, India's Supreme Court ruled Italy's ambassador was barred from leaving the country.

The Italian government said it had received assurances about the men's treatment and their human rights.

"They are on their way back to Delhi," Indian foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told the Agence France-Presse news agency.

The news of their return has eased diplomatic tensions between Italy and India.

The marines, who had been out on bail awaiting trial, were allowed to fly back to Italy for the February 2013 general election on condition that they returned to stand trial by 22 March.

Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini gave his personal assurance that they would return within four weeks.