The United States has said that the activities of a syndicate of terror groups led by the Al Qaeda have put the whole region to risk. The US Defence Secretary Mr Robert Gates who held talks with the Defence Minister Mr A.K Antony in New Delhi said that Al-Qaeda is orchestrating elements in various terror groups including Lashkare- Taibe for carrying out attacks to provoke conflicts not only between India and Pakistan but to destablise the whole region.<br/><br/>In reply to a question Mr Gates said that while India had shown great restraint and statesmanship after the Mumbai attack it will be unreasonable to assume India's patience will be unlimited if there is another attack.<br/><br/>Describing India as an anchor for the region's and global security, Mr Gates said that increased cooperation between India and the United States has been a success story and there has been a tremendous increase in defence cooperation between the two sides.<br/><br/>He said that apart from the defence ties, the situation in the region including Afghanistan were discussed at his meeting with Mr Antony, the Chinese Military buildup was also discussed. He said that as far as the United States is concerned it is of the view that there is need to engage China in a routine dialogue to avoid any miscalculation.