New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANS): India Wednesday said the prosecution of two Italian marines accused of killing Indian fishermen has "complicated" relations between the two countries.

Asked about the government's decision not to prosecute the marines under the stringent anti-piracy SUA (Suppression of Unlawful Acts) law, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said the issue has "complicated our relation".

"However, there is a way forward to resolve the matter according to our legal and judicial process," she added.

Tuesday, the government told the Supreme Court that marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone accused of killing two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012 will not be prosecuted under the SUA law that attracts death penalty.

Hours later, Italy said the decision was the "fruit of Italian firmness".

The marines had shot dead two fishermen whom they believed to be pirates, sparking diplomatic tensions between the two countries.