A US lawmaker has raised concern over New Delhi’s proposed amendments to Indian laws governing foreign donations received by NGOs, trusts, educational institutions, and religious organisations, threatening that the changes could affect bilateral relations. Republican Congressman from West Virginia, Riley Moore, has claimed the amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) would give power to the Indian government to take over churches and religious charities, a move he described as a “clear attack against Christians”.
Team Analysis
“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,” Moore, a member of President Donald Trump’s party, said in a post on X.
“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 first-term congressman added.
Christians have been in India since St. Thomas the Apostle traveled 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…
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to empower the government to create a “Designated Authority” to take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created using foreign contributions when an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or ceases because it is not renewed.
The bill also states that in case of assets that are a place of worship, the authority must ensure that its religious character is maintained.
The proposed legislation also reduces the maximum penalty for violation of the Act from imprisonment of five years to one year.
Match Outlook
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is expected to introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha next week.
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received Rs 55,741 crore of foreign contribution between 2019 and 2022. The FCRA portal indicates that, as of July 15, 2026, there are 14,449 active FCRA certificates, 22,498 cancelled, and 15,212 deemed expired.
The US lawmaker’s remarks caused a political row in India, with opposition lawmakers criticising Moore despite opposing the bill.
Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran said the US lawmaker’s remarks were absolutely unwarranted.
“It should be condemned, as they should have nothing to do with India’s legislative position, as it attacks India’s sovereign character. Yes, we oppose the FCRA bill, and that is why it has been sent back and delayed. THEY ARE NO ONE TO LECTURE US,” he said.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas said, “We do not want US lawmakers to suggest anything, and we do not appreciate any intervention from the US… We oppose this piece of legislation. We do not base our position on what others say about it. This is an internal and domestic matter. Our government and our Parliament must take the decision.”
