In a highly sensitive and unprecedented move, Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad allegedly conducted a covert surveillance operation targeting Indian National Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Sam Pitroda, the head of the Indian Overseas Congress and a close advisor often described as Gandhi’s political mentor. The mission, initiated under the directive of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed to uncover potential connections between Indian opposition leaders and the controversial American short-seller Hindenburg Research.

According to sources quoted by the Russian news agency Sputnik, Mossad’s involvement was triggered shortly after January 24, 2023 – the day Hindenburg Research released a damning report accusing the Adani Group of orchestrating one of the largest corporate frauds in Indian history. The fallout was swift and severe, wiping out nearly US$ 150 billion in Adani’s market value and triggering a major stock market crash in India.

At that time, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) had just finalized a US$ 1.2 billion agreement to acquire majority stakes in the strategically vital Haifa Port in Israel. The deal, which was the culmination of 18 months of competitive bidding involving 18 contenders, was viewed as a linchpin for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)- a critical geopolitical and economic project.

During a meeting in Israel to mark the Haifa Port acquisition, Prime Minister Netanyahu is reported to have raised direct concerns with Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani. The Israeli leader questioned the implications of the Hindenburg report, asking, “This report, it is a serious threat to your business, isn’t it?”

Adani dismissed the allegations, replying, “Not at all. It’s all lies”.

Nevertheless, Netanyahu appeared unconvinced. “Even if you see no threat, we have to be concerned. If it weakens you, it could sabotage not just this port........

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