Al-Qaeda seeks wider reach in India with pan-Islamist push

Al-Qaeda is striving to expand its influence in India and the surrounding region through its affiliate, Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS). The group, established in 2014, is shifting towards a pan-Islamist ideology to attract a broader support base, rather than targeting specific sects or sub-sects. This strategy aims to avoid the pitfalls experienced by the Islamic State, which faced decline due to its aggressive stance against various groups.

AQIS was formed by uniting several smaller regional jihadi groups from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India, but these factions struggled to grow due to intense competition from the Islamic State, which, unlike AQIS, does not promote inclusivity. In India, the group is particularly interested in the Jammat-ul Mujahideen (JMB) and has encouraged it to create multiple factions, such as the Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK) and the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), to dilute the focus of Indian security forces.

AQIS seeks to create safe havens and maintain tactical cooperation with Shia groups within India, which can provide logistical and survival benefits. By adopting a more inclusive approach, Al-Qaeda hopes to differentiate itself from the Islamic State and attract more followers in the sub-continent, with India being a primary target.