‘Even the US’ regulates foreign funding: India hits back at Republic lawmaker’s remarks – ‘Our Parliament decides’

India Pushes Back on US Lawmaker Over Foreign Funding Rules

Theindiapostdaily.com – Even the US regulates foreign funding, India reminded the world after a Republican congressman raised concerns about New Delhi’s proposed changes to its FCRA framework. Riley Moore, representing West Virginia in the US House of Representatives, questioned whether the amendments could enable greater state control over religious and charitable institutions. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that such legislative decisions rest squarely with India’s Parliament.

External Affairs Ministry Sets the Record Straight

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed international media during a regular press briefing on Friday. He stressed that foreign observations on India’s domestic legislation should be viewed in context. The government’s position remains clear: Parliament alone determines the direction of India’s own laws.

“Regarding the issue you are referring to, we have seen it, and several comments have been made on it. As far as legislative matters are concerned, and particularly matters relating to India’s own legislation, this is an internal matter for us, on which our Parliament takes the decision.”

Jaiswal also highlighted that monitoring international financial inflows is not unique to India. He noted that countries across the globe, including the United States, operate regulatory systems to oversee foreign capital entering their economies.

What Moore’s Concerns Actually Mean

The American lawmaker’s objections focused primarily on Christian communities within India. Moore acknowledged that Christianity has existed in the subcontinent since the time of St Thomas the Apostle, who arrived on the Malabar Coast centuries ago. Nevertheless, he expressed worry that the proposed amendments might pave the way for government intervention in church affairs and religious charitable work.

“But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities,” Moore wrote on X earlier this week.

He cautioned that if the legislation passes without modification, it could strain diplomatic ties between Washington and New Delhi.

Understanding the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 brings meaningful structural adjustments to foreign funding management in India. One major provision establishes a Designated Authority tasked with overseeing foreign contributions and associated assets when an organization’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or lapses.

Under this new framework, if the assets include a place of worship, the Designated Authority must ensure its religious character remains intact. The bill also lowers the maximum imprisonment term for certain statutory violations from five years down to one year.

The FCRA currently governs overseas funding for non-governmental organizations, charitable trusts, academic institutions, religious bodies, and related entities. According to Home Ministry figures, 13,520 organizations received foreign remittances worth ₹55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022.

Domestic Political Reactions

Opposition voices within India have not remained silent. AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal labeled the legislation as “completely unconstitutional,” warning that it could harm NGOs and community organizations, particularly those working with minority groups.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien called the Bill “draconian” and sought an All-Party Meeting to review its contents. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, O’Brien cautioned that the proposed law might result in “excessive executive control” over organizations functioning in education and healthcare sectors.

The government maintains that the amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 are designed to improve regulation of how NGOs, charitable trusts, and other entities receive and deploy foreign donations. Officials argue these modifications address emerging financial risks, boost transparency, and guarantee that foreign funding advances only legitimate purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FCRA and why is it being amended? The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act governs how Indian organizations receive and use foreign donations. The 2026 amendments aim to strengthen oversight, clarify asset management during registration lapses, and reduce penalties for certain violations.

Who is Riley Moore and what did he say? Riley Moore is a Republican congressman from West Virginia. He raised concerns that India’s FCRA amendments could enable government takeovers of churches and religious charities, potentially affecting bilateral relations.

How much foreign funding do Indian organizations receive? According to Home Ministry data, 13,520 organizations received ₹55,741 crore in foreign remittances from 2019 to 2022.

Does the US also regulate foreign funding? Yes. As MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted, the United States maintains regulatory frameworks for foreign capital and financing entering its borders, just like many other nations worldwide.