Fishermen Killing row: India, Italy likely to do out-of-court settlement to end controversy

The 'difference of opinion' over the issue of territorial jurisdiction remained unsolved despite holding the meeting between India and Italy on Tuesday. Both are stuck on their positions over conducting the trial on two Italian security guards who allegedly killed two fishermen on February 15, mistaking them Somali pirates.

After arriving Italian foreign Minister Guilio Terzi to India, a meeting between him and Indian External Affair Minister SM Krishna held talks at Hyderabad house on Tuesday morning, where they stressed that 'the relations between the two countries are mature and based on strong foundations.' There they were reportedly tried to 'clear the air' surrounding the fishermen killing row.

After that both have jointly addressed a media gathering. Addressing to the media Krishna said, "We met in the backdrop of an unfortunate incident involving death of two Indian fishermen and the subsequent detention of two Italian navy personnel. There is strong public opinion on both sides. Minister Terzi and I agreed that we need to clear the air so that people in both countries are reassured of our will and commitment to strengthen our partnership."

While Terzi expressed his 'condolence' over the tragic loss of lives of two fishermen.

"I have expressed the condolences of Italy and the Italian people over the unfortunate, tragic loss of lives. I have explained frankly the position of our government on the legal aspect. International law should try the Italian men. There is difference of opinion on this and it has not been resolved," he said.

The Kerala Court has ordered the Italian tanker company to deposit a bank guarantee of Rs.3-Crore or a demand draft of the same value to Indian court in order to compensate the kin of two slain fishermen. The district court ordered this accepting the petition of deceased men and the boat owner.

According to reports, Doramma had sought compensation of Rs 1 crore, Binki's sisters had sought Rs 2 crore compensation. The fishing boat owner had also sought Rs 75 lakh compensation for damage to his boat in the firing.

According to report, the deadlock situation is still continued, as Italy wants to conduct the hearing under international law while India sticks on its position to conduct the trial under Indian laws.