Blog 5

This is in the style of Mark Mardell, America Editor for the BBC.

Many observers have called India's detainment of the Italian envoy as a precedent in diplomatic law.

It is this kind of behavior on the part of both India and Italy that endangers current diplomatic protocol. Both sides have now taken unprecedented steps in worsening relations.

The Indian public was outraged over the killing of two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala in Southern India in February 2012. The Italian government recalled the guilty marines to be tried at home.

In response, the Indian Supreme Court ruled to forbid Rome's envoy from leaving the country. India's Chief Justice Altamas Kabir issued a notice ambassador Daniele Mancini.

Observers have questioned the legality of India’s move. Diplomatic law is encoded under the Vienna Convention of 1961. India has defended its possibly illegal action by saying that Italy started the row by recalling the marines back home to be tried in an Italian court. Italy believes they have the right to do this since the killings occurred in international waters.

India’s move has implications on its relations with the whole European Union. Tensions between the world’s second and third most populous economies will be watched by the whole world. It remains to be seen if anything comes of the dispute.