MEA hits back at US lawmaker, says FCRA amendments are India's 'internal affairs'

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday responded sharply to comments made by a US lawmaker on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, saying the issue falls within India's domestic legislative process.

The response came after US Congressman Riley Moore raised concerns over the proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), alleging they could allow government takeovers of churches and religious charities.

Replying to a question on the matter, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen the comments on FCRA. Legislative matters concerning India are our internal affairs on which decisions are taken by Parliament of the country. I would also like to point out that there are several nations, including the US, which regulate the flow of foreign funds."

What the proposed Bill seeks to change

The proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in Parliament in March and proposes several changes to the existing FCRA framework.

Among its key provisions is the power to appoint a designated authority to manage, take over or sell assets created through foreign funding if an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, suspended or not renewed.

The Bill also expands action against individuals associated with such organisations, including directors and trustees. It further proposes stricter conditions for receiving foreign contributions and states that organisations with foreign nationals, except persons of Indian origin, as key functionaries would ordinarily not be considered for registration or prior permission.

Concerns over the amendments

Earlier this week, Congressman Riley Moore posted on X expressing concern over the proposed changes.

He wrote, “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.”

The proposed amendments have also drawn concerns from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and several Christian organisations.

Government officials, however, have maintained that the proposed changes are intended to improve oversight of foreign funding and are not aimed at any particular religious community. Officials have also indicated that the amendments are meant to address violations involving foreign funds rather than target any specific faith.