Central Idea

Havana Syndrome, a mysterious set of mental health symptoms experienced by US intelligence and embassy officials in India, has caught the attention of authorities.

What is Havana Syndrome?

Cuban Incident: The term “Havana Syndrome” originated in Cuba in late 2016 when US officials at the newly opened US embassy in Havana reported symptoms like pressure in the brain, headaches, and disorientation. The cause of these symptoms initially sparked suspicions of a “sonic attack” orchestrated by Cuban intelligence.
Subsequent Reports: Following the Cuban incident, similar symptoms were reported by American officials stationed in China, Russia, Poland, Georgia, Taiwan, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Austria, and even in Washington DC, including near the White House.

Sole Reported Case: As of July 2023, the 2021 incident involving a US intelligence officer in India is the only reported case of Havana Syndrome in the country.
Indian Security Establishment: Indian security officials have claimed that they are not aware of any agency possessing such microwave-based counter-espionage technology.
Geopolitical Considerations: Given India’s friendly relations with the US, officials find it unlikely that an Indian agency or foreign power would target US officials in this manner.

Microwave Exposure: Scientific research and medical examinations of the victims have suggested that high-powered microwaves may have damaged or interfered with the nervous system, leading to the reported symptoms.
Microwave Weapon: The syndrome was speculated to be caused by beams of high-powered microwaves sent through a specialized gadget known as a “microwave weapon.”
Counter-Intelligence Tactic: Both Russia and the US have experimented with using microwaves as a counter-intelligence tactic since the Cold War.

Lack of Conclusive Evidence: Despite years of data collection and experiments, the US has not found conclusive evidence to support the existence of a “microwave weapon.”
Psychological Illness Amplified: Some medical experts argue that the syndrome could be a psychological illness amplified by fear of being targeted.
Impact on Relations: A report from several US security agencies in 2023 suggested that foreign adversaries were unlikely to be behind the “anomalous health incidents,” which may have impacted US-Cuba relations.

The enigmatic Havana Syndrome continues to baffle experts and policymakers worldwide, with no definitive evidence of its origins and causes.
As India examines the issue in response to the recent petition, the global mystery surrounding Havana Syndrome remains an ongoing concern for intelligence communities and governments alike.