US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has arrived in Pakistan for talks with both military and civilian leaders.

On his first visit to Pakistan, Mr Gates will have talks on how to combat militants in Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

With the fight against al-Qaeda and the Taliban involving more US troops, it is known Mr Gates would also like to see Pakistan expand an offensive against Taliban in their own border regions.

On his arrival in Islamabad, Mr Gates said he would reassure his hosts that the United States would remain an important ally in the fight against militants.

With the Defence Secretary at the disposal of the Pakistani government for the period of his visit, it has been expected that Pakistan will raise the agenda of the increased use of drone strikes by the US in Pakistan tribal parts.

Hundreds of people, including civilians, have died in the attacks, which have stoked deep resentment of the US among many Pakistanis.

Mr Gates, who arrived from the Indian capital of Delhi, said al-Qaeda had been trying to destabilise the whole of South Asia hoping to provoke war between India and Pakistan.

He also suggested India might not show restraint if it suffered another attack like the one in 2008 on Mumbai.