India has firmly rejected comments made by US Congressman Riley Moore on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling the issue an internal matter.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that lawmaking is part of India’s democratic process and should be viewed within the country’s constitutional framework. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also noted that many countries, including the United States, have laws that regulate foreign funding for organisations.
What Triggered the Response?
Riley Moore, a Republican Congressman from West Virginia, recently claimed that the proposed amendments could negatively affect Christian organisations in India. He argued that if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled or not renewed, the government could take control of churches and religious charities. Moore also warned that the issue could impact India-US relations.
What the Bill Proposes
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to update the existing FCRA, 2010, which governs foreign donations received by individuals, NGOs, and associations.
One of the key proposals allows a government-designated authority to temporarily manage foreign-funded assets if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or expires without renewal. For religious institutions, the Bill specifically states that their religious character must be preserved while such assets are managed.
Government’s Stand
The Centre says the amendments are aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and proper management of foreign-funded assets. According to the government, the changes will help protect public assets created through foreign contributions while ensuring that charitable activities continue in accordance with the law.
The MEA’s statement is the government’s first official response to Moore’s remarks and reiterates that legislative decisions related to the FCRA are matters of India’s domestic policy.