‘FCRA Bill is India’s internal matter’: MEA rejects US Congressman’s criticism on foreign funding

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday rejected US Congressman Riley Moore’s criticism of the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. It said India’s legislative matters fall within its domestic jurisdiction.

The response came after Moore, a Republican representative from West Virginia, described the proposed legislation as a “clear attack against Christians”. He also warned that the amendments could harm relations between India and the United States.

MEA defends legislation

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while responding to media queries, said India has a well-established democratic process for drafting and passing laws. He said domestic legislation must be assessed in its proper legal and constitutional context.

Jaiswal added that many countries, including the United States, have their own legal systems to regulate foreign funding received by organisations. The MEA’s remarks marked India’s first official response to Moore’s criticism of the proposed amendments.

Moore raises concerns

In a statement issued on August 4, Moore claimed that the amendments could allow the Indian government to assume control of churches and religious charities if their FCRA registrations were cancelled, surrendered or not renewed. The US lawmaker argued that the provisions could have a disproportionate effect on Christian organisations. He urged the Indian government to reconsider the proposed legislation.

The Bill seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. The existing law regulates the receipt and use of foreign donations by individuals, associations and non-governmental organisations in India.

Authority may manage assets

Under the proposed amendments, a government-designated authority could temporarily manage foreign contributions and related assets when an organisation loses, surrenders or fails to renew its FCRA registration.

For places of worship and religious institutions, the Bill requires the designated authority to preserve their religious character while managing such funds and assets. The FCRA aims to prevent foreign funding from harming India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, public interest or democratic institutions.

Government cites safeguards

The Centre has said the amendments seek to improve transparency, accountability and the administration of foreign-funded organisations that lose their eligibility to receive overseas donations. According to the government, the changes would protect public assets created with foreign contributions. They would also allow charitable activities to continue under lawful management.

However, the proposed Bill has triggered political and international debate. Critics have raised concerns about the extent of government control over foreign-funded organisations. The MEA maintained that the legislation must be considered within India’s constitutional and legal framework.