The Centre today asserted that dialogue with Pakistan cannot progress if ceasefire violations and infiltration continue, saying such hostilities "must stop" for the situation to "normalise".
"For the situation to normalise I think it is extremely important that these kind of violations which are taking place at the LoC must stop. That in itself is a confidence building measure before any country can proceed further," Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here on the second day of his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir after taking charge.
He replied in the negative when asked if dialogue with Pakistan would go ahead if the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir continued.
"Obviously not," Jaitley, who is on a two-day visit for reviewing security measures, said, adding ceasefire violations must stop for further progress.
India has maintained that it has been its endeavour to establish peaceful and friendly relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan.
It has reminded Pakistan that maintenance of peace and tranquility on the border is a "pre-condition" for having a normal relationship between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif to his swearing in last month and held a meeting with him on crucial bilateral issues including terror and speedy trial of Mumbai terror attack case in Pakistan.
The meeting was seen as a positive development in the Indo-Pak ties, which for last one year have witnessed cold vibes due to the incidents along the Line of Control, including beheading of an Indian soldier by Pakistan troops.
The third round of comprehensive Indo-Pak dialogue process was stalled in January last after the beheading incident.
Jaitley today said he has discussed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in separate meetings with Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior Army officers.
He also attended a special security review meeting with Omar, top civil, army, police and paramilitary officials this morning.
