Two Italian marines flew back to India Friday to face murder charges, after Rome dramatically reversed a decision that they would not return which had triggered a diplomatic firestorm. The Indian government hailed Italy's U-turn as a success for diplomacy after being earlier accused of violating international laws on diplomatic immunity. Italy meanwhile said it had received assurances about the pair's treatment, with the country's President Giorgio Napolitano paying tribute to the "sense of responsibility" displayed by the two marines.

A Swiss tourist who was gang-raped in central India in front of her husband has left for the capital New Delhi, police said on Sunday, amid growing anger over the country's treatment of women. The woman was on a cycling trip with her husband in impoverished Madhya Pradesh state when seven to eight men attacked the couple late on Friday while they were camping, sexually assaulting the woman and robbing the pair.

Italy on Saturday warned its nationals in India to be "vigilant and cautious" amid a deepening diplomatic row over two Italian marines who skipped bail while facing trial for murder. The advice came a day after India's airports were put on alert to block any attempt by Italy's ambassador Daniele Mancini to leave the country. "In connection with any protests, especially in Kerala state, related to the two sailors, citizens are urged to always maintain a vigilant and cautious attitude and stay away from any crowds," the Italian embassy in New Delhi said in a website advisory.

India's Supreme Court on Thursday issued an order for Italy's ambassador to stay in the country amid a dispute over two Italian marines who skipped bail while on trial for murder in New Delhi. A three-judge bench said that ambassador Daniele Mancini, who had negotiated the release of the marines so they could return home to vote, should remain in India until the next hearing about the dispute on Monday. "Mr. Daniele Mancini shall not leave India without the permission of this court," a notice read out by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir said, according to a copy sent to AFP.