Italy has recalled its ambassador to India after the country's supreme court delayed a decision on trying two Italian marines held since 2012.

Italy's foreign minister, Emma Bonino, said in a statement on Tuesday the "latest unacceptable" delay proved India was "incapable of handling this situation".

The marines have been held since 2012 over the deaths of two Indian fishermen. They were part of a military security team on an Italian cargo ship and fired at the fishermen, saying they mistook them for pirates. They are on bail pending trial and are living and working at the Italian embassy in New Delhi.

India's supreme court was to hear arguments from both sides on whether to try the marines under India's severe anti-piracy statute on Tuesday but delayed the hearing until next Monday.