MILAN (AP) — Italy’s defense ministry says an Italian marine facing trial in India in a case that has strained relations between the two countries has returned to Italy for medical treatment.

Massimiliano Latorre arrived in the southern region of Puglia on Saturday. India’s top court ruled he could return for medical treatment after he was hospitalized in New Delhi with ischemia, or blood flow blockage.

The Italian ambassador promised the court that Latorre would return in four months to face trial with another marine. Latorre and Salvatore Girone were providing cargo ship security when they opened fire on a fishing boat they mistook for a pirate craft, killing two Indian fishermen.

Italy has argued for their release for trial in Italy, contending the shooting occurred in international waters. India has refused.

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