Several social media posts and online reports have claimed that a cargo facility owned by Indian conglomerate Adani Group at Israel’s Haifa Port, worth approximately $4.2 billion, was destroyed in Iranian missile strikes during recent hostilities.
Multiple users were found sharing similar claims, which can be viewed here and here.
Fact Check
Upon investigation, DFRAC found the claim to be fake. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), which operates a majority stake in the Haifa Port through a joint venture with Israel’s Gadot Group, has categorically denied any damage to its infrastructure. The company confirmed that port operations are continuing as normal, with no disruption to cargo handling or marine traffic.
Additionally, we found a media report by The Economic Times and Financial Express informing, “The Adani Group-linked Haifa port remained unharmed on Sunday following a late-night ballistic missile attack from Iran. The clarification came hours after the Israeli Oil Refineries said airstrikes had damaged its pipelines and transmission lines in Haifa. A regulatory filing to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange stated that the facilities continued to operate despite a shutdown of some downstream operations, with no injuries or casualties reported from the sites.
According to sources quoted by news agency PTI, shrapnel fell in the chemical terminal of the port on Saturday night, while some other projectiles landed on the oil refinery. Haifa port was reportedly not impacted by the strike, and operations continue as usual in the area. Sources also told the publication that there were currently eight ships in the port and cargo operations remained ‘normal’.”
Adani Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Jugeshinder “Robbie” Singh, responded directly to the viral claim, calling it “false” and dismissing any suggestion that the port was hit by Iranian missiles.
Furthermore, a key piece of supposed “evidence” used to support the claim, an image showing a large fire, was misattributed. A reverse image search revealed that the photo depicts a burning fuel depot in Tehran, not Haifa. The image was circulated in previous incidents and has no connection to the Israeli port or Adani’s operations.
About Adani’s Haifa Port Investment:
In 2022, Adani Ports acquired a 70% stake in the Haifa Port for $1.18 billion. It occurred in partnership with Israel’s Gadot Group, which owns the remaining 30%. The port is one of Israel’s largest seaports and a strategic hub for trade in the eastern Mediterranean. Since the acquisition, Adani has planned significant upgrades to enhance its capacity and efficiency.
Conclusion
The viral claim that Adani’s cargo facility at Haifa Port was destroyed by Iranian missile strikes is Fake. Official statements from the Adani Group and credible news reports confirm that the port is fully operational and undamaged. Additionally, the image used to support the claim was misleading and unrelated to the events in Haifa.
