Security agencies have flagged the following as key conclusions drawn from the tape:

• This is the first time there is a direct reference to India and Kashmir in an Al-Qaeda tape, an endorsement of terrorism in Kashmir. In fact, rattled Kashmiri separatist groups have been quick to denounce the tape saying there is no place for Al-Qaeda in what they call an “indigenous struggle.”

• Until now, only Pakistan had questioned the activities of Indian consulates in Afghanistan. While there have been threats from local groups, this is the first time Indian consulates have been singled out by Al-Qaeda.

• This is the first time that the terror group is equating Hindus with “Zionists” and exhorting members to target Indian interests along with those of US, Russia and Israel.

All this has got a concerned North Block alerting the agencies concerned to take necessary countermeasures to deal with this new threat. Sources said security is being stepped up at select Indian missions abroad as agencies forecast increased threats from international jihadi groups in the days ahead.

On a broader plane, however, the Al-Qaeda tape focuses on US and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for taking action against their cadre and other Muslims in Afghanistan and Pakistan. India, sources said, is part of what is a long message threatening US interests and the Pakistan Army.