Home Ministry has asked Intelligence Bureau, IB, verify the authenticity of the video showing Al Qaeda chief Ayman Al- Zawahiri announcing the formation of the terrorist group's wing in the Indian subcontinent.

The Ministry also asked states to be on high alert.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh was briefed about the video at a meeting called on the matter this afternoon.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and RAW Chief Alok Joshi were among those who attended the meeting.

In a 55 minute video posted online, Zawahiri said the new branch Qaedat al-Jihad will take the fight to India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Al-Qaeda is active in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where its surviving leadership are thought to be hiding out.

Zawahari also pledged renewed loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.