A US Republican lawmaker has voiced concern over India's proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), saying the amendments could become an issue in India-US relations if passed in their current form. The remarks come ahead of the Centre's expected introduction of the amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha next week.
US congressman raises concerns
Riley Moore, a Republican Congressman from West Virginia and a member of US President Donald Trump's party, criticised the proposed amendments, alleging they would allow the Indian government to take over churches and religious charities.
In a post on X, Moore wrote, "Christians have been in India since St Thomas the Apostle travelled to the Malabar Coast just decades after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But despite this long Christian history, India's Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment (FCRA) rules to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities."
He further said, "This is a clear attack against Christians. If this bill proceeds in this way, it would be a point of major concern in our bilateral relationship with India."
What the proposed FCRA changes say
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 proposes the creation of a "Designated Authority" that would manage foreign contributions and assets created from such funds if an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or expires without renewal.
The Bill also specifies that if the assets include a place of worship, the authority must preserve its religious character.
Another key provision proposes reducing the maximum punishment for violations of the Act from five years' imprisonment to one year.
Bill likely to be introduced next week
The Narendra Modi-led government is expected to table the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha next week.
According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received foreign contributions worth Rs 55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022.
The FCRA portal shows that, as of July 15, 2026, there are 14,449 active FCRA certificates. It also records 22,498 cancelled registrations and 15,212 certificates that have expired.