[b]India has issued a security alert in several states after an announcement by al-Qaeda of the formation of an Indian branch of the group.

In a video message, al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri said "al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent" would "raise the flag of jihad" across South Asia.

In the 55-minute video posted online, Zawahiri pledged renewed loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

Correspondents say this is an apparent snub to Islamic State (IS) militants.

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh met senior intelligence officials to discuss new security measures and to brief the prime minister.

India's intelligence and security services are studying the Zawahiri announcement video, which experts said appeared to be a reaction to IS's growing dominance.

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