India Dismisses US Criticism of Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed criticism from US Congressman Riley Moore regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. The ministry emphasized that legislative matters are internal to India and highlighted that many countries, including the US, have laws regulating foreign funding. Moore's comments suggested that the amendments could negatively impact Christian organizations and bilateral relations. The MEA clarified that India has a democratic process for law-making and that the proposed bill includes significant changes to the existing FCRA framework, allowing for greater government control over foreign contributions to NGOs.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 7, 2026, 17:28 IST

India's Response to US Lawmaker's Critique

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected the criticism from US Congressman Riley Moore regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. The ministry emphasized that legislative matters are internal to India and noted that many countries, including the United States, have laws governing foreign funding.

This statement follows Moore's allegations, where the Republican representative from West Virginia claimed that the proposed amendments directly target Christians and warned of potential negative impacts on India-US bilateral relations.

Clarification from the Ministry

In response to media inquiries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has a well-established democratic process for law-making, and domestic laws should be viewed in their proper context. He pointed out that countries worldwide, including the US, regulate foreign contributions through their legal frameworks.

On August 4, Moore asserted that if the registration of churches and religious charities under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is canceled or not renewed, the proposed amendments would allow the Indian government to exert control over them. He argued that such provisions would significantly affect Christian organizations and urged the Indian government to reconsider the proposed legislation.

Further Remarks on Legislative Matters

When asked about Moore's comments, Jaiswal reiterated that legislative issues related to India are internal matters decided by the country's parliament. He also highlighted that many nations, including the US, manage the flow of foreign funds.

The 'Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026', introduced in parliament in March, proposes significant changes to the existing FCRA framework. This bill grants the government the authority to appoint a 'designated authority'.

Implications of the Proposed Bill

This designated authority would have the power to seize, manage, or sell assets created from foreign funds by NGOs whose FCRA registration has been canceled or suspended, or those that have not been renewed. The bill also expands the scope for action against individuals associated with these organizations, including directors and trustees.

Under the revised regulations, organizations will need to select their operational purposes and areas from a predetermined list. Additionally, there is a provision stating that organizations with foreign nationals (excluding those of Indian origin) in key positions will generally not be considered for registration or prior approval to receive foreign contributions.