The Ministry of External Affairs has firmly dismissed criticism from a US lawmaker regarding India’s proposed amendments to its foreign funding law. At a bi-weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that legislative matters are strictly internal affairs, determined solely by the Indian Parliament.

He underscored that many countries, including the United States, have their own frameworks regulating foreign monetary inflows, making India’s approach neither unusual nor unprecedented.

Jaiswal stated that the issue raised had been noted, but reiterated that decisions on India’s legislation remain within the sovereign domain of Parliament.

He pointed out that international jurisdictions also impose restrictions on foreign financing, thereby reinforcing India’s right to regulate such matters in accordance with its national interest.

The remarks came in response to objections raised by US Congressman Riley Moore, who criticised the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Moore argued that the provisions could allow the government to assume control of churches and philanthropic institutions, warning that such measures might strain bilateral ties between India and the United States.

He further claimed that the bill represented a direct attack on Christians, despite their long historical presence in India since the arrival of St Thomas the Apostle on the Malabar Coast.

Moore’s comments, shared on social media, highlighted concerns that the amendments would permit government takeovers of religious charities. He cautioned that if the bill proceeded in its current form, it would become a significant point of contention in India–US relations.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a Designated Authority responsible for managing foreign contributions and assets acquired through such funds in cases where an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or lapses.

Importantly, the bill stipulates that if the assets include a place of worship, the authority must ensure that its religious character is preserved.

The amendment also proposes reducing the maximum penalty for violations of the Act from five years’ imprisonment to one year, signalling a shift towards lighter punitive measures while expanding regulatory oversight.

The FCRA framework governs the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds across NGOs, charitable organisations, academic institutions, religious trusts, and related bodies.

According to Ministry of Home Affairs data, 13,520 entities received foreign contributions amounting to ₹55,741 Crores between 2019 and 2022.

As of 15 July 2026, official records show 14,449 active registrations, 22,498 cancelled, and 15,212 expired, illustrating the extensive reach of the law and the scale of foreign funding in India.

The MEA’s response underscores India’s position that the regulation of foreign contributions is a sovereign matter, aligning with practices followed in other countries. While international criticism has surfaced, New Delhi has made clear that its legislative prerogatives remain firmly within domestic jurisdiction.

ANI