Al-Qaeda’s announcement that it plans to conduct jihad operations in India will provide a test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to overcome divisions between Hindus and Muslims and find ways to work with Pakistan to counter extremism.
In a 55-minute video released Sept. 3, al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri said the terrorist organization plans to conduct operations in India as well as work to end what he called the suffering of Muslims throughout South Asia, including Kashmir, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The video indicated the group would be led by two Pakistani militants from Pakistani territory.