US Defence Secretary Robert Gates praising the Indian restraint after the Mumbai attack of 2008, said in New Delhi, "The ability of any state to continue that, were it to be attacked again, I think is in question.
I have to leave the answer to that question to the Indian Government and its officials, but I think it is not unreasonable to assume that Indian patience would be limited were there to be further attacks". Everyone in the world knows and admits that the Mumbai attack was not sponsored by the state of Pakistan.
On the contrary, the Pakistan government, people, all the political parties and civil society categorically condemned the attack. The Pakistan government is doing everything possible to apprehend the culprits involved and bring them to the court of law. Pakistan has offered joint investigation in the matter and constantly demanding from the Indian government, adequate evidence on the basis of which the charges can be proved in court.
Pakistan is itself engaged in fighting with the terrorists, initially planted and nurtured by the US and allies in the shape of the Taliban allies to fight the holy war against the ex-USSR in Afghanistan. It is a fact, which has been admitted by the US Secretary of State more than once.
Scores of our brave army personnel and law enforcing agencies have laid down their lives, fighting against terrorists all over the country and the fight continues. Our innocent people have been continuously sacrificing their lives, livelihood and properties in the terrorist attacks, but they have resolved to eliminate this evil from the motherland.
Pakistan's efforts are being recognised the world over. Gates would have emphasised upon the Indians to be patient in this matter, as the whole world is the target of terrorists, including India, but it does not permit them to attack a sovereign state on the plea that terrorists hail from Pakistan. The remarks from the US Secretary of State are unreasonable, irresponsible and provoke Indians to go ahead with their aggressive designs. What kind of friend are you?