NATO warned India on Wednesday that using anti-terrorism legislation to try two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen would undermine international efforts to combat piracy.

India has announced its Supreme Court will hold a hearing next week on whether to charge marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone under its maritime security law, provoking criticism from the European Union and Italian authorities. . . .

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Wednesday called for an “appropriate resolution“.

“I am personally very concerned about the situation of the two Italian sailors. I am also concerned by the suggestion that they could be tried for terrorism offences,” he told a news conference in Brussels.

“This could have possible negative implications for the international fight against piracy. A fight which is in all of our interest.”

Image: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, December 4, 2013 (photo: NATO)