India pushes back against US criticism of proposed FCRA changes
India said proposed FCRA amendments are an internal legislative matter after US lawmakers criticised changes over concerns about foreign funding rules.
India rejected recent criticisms from US lawmakers over proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), emphasizing that the issue is an internal matter for India to decide. The US lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties have expressed concern that the proposed amendments could restrict access to foreign funding for Christian organizations and other civil society groups, potentially leading to the seizure of their assets.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the proposed changes are a legislative matter within India's jurisdiction and that many countries, including the United States, regulate the flow of foreign funds. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha but remains unaddressed, with the bill stating that if FCRA licences are not renewed, foreign contributions and assets would be provisionally transferred to a designated authority for public purposes.
Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) have voiced concerns about the proposed law, fearing its impact on charitable institutions that have served vulnerable communities for decades.
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