Our troops will make Pakistan's adventurism unaffordable: Jaitley

In the strongest warning yet over unabated ceasefire violations from across the border, India on Thursday asserted that Pakistan will not be able to bear the cost of this "adventurism" if it persists with such "unprovoked" aggression.

"Pakistan in these attacks has clearly been the aggressor but it must realise that our deterrence will be credible. If Pakistan persists with this adventurism, our forces will make the cost of this adventurism unaffordable," Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told media persons on New Delhi.

India's strong message has reached Pakistan and will continue to do so if it persists with firing and shelling, he said.

If Pakistan wants peace on the borders, Jaitley said, it should stop what it is doing. "Pakistan has to stop this unprovoked firing and shelling. As long as that continues how can there be peace."

Asked about chances of talks between leaders of the two countries, he shot back, "how can you talk when firing is on".

Our armed forces, Jaitley said, have been doing a commendable job.

He said India is a responsible country which is not an aggressor but it is responsible for fully protecting its people and land.

"Our forces are taking all steps they can to protect our people and land," he said.