New Delhi, August 8: India has rejected criticism from US lawmakers over proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, calling the matter an internal legislative issue.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to the criticism during his biweekly media briefing. He said India’s Parliament would decide on the proposed changes.
Jaiswal also noted that several countries, including the United States, regulate the flow of foreign funds. He made the remark while addressing concerns raised by American lawmakers.
Several Democratic and Republican lawmakers have criticised the proposed FCRA changes. Senator James Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also raised concerns about their potential impact on civil society groups.
FCRA Bill faces scrutiny over foreign funds
Republican Congressman Riley Moore claimed that the proposed amendments could allow government takeovers of churches and religious charities.
Moore described the proposed changes as a serious concern for Christian organisations. He also warned that the legislation could affect bilateral relations between India and the United States.
India, however, maintained that Parliament has the authority to decide on domestic legislation. Jaiswal said foreign funding rules exist in several countries and rejected the suggestion that the matter required external intervention.
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25.
According to the supplied details, the Bill proposes a framework for vesting, supervising, managing and disposing of foreign contributions and related assets.
The proposed framework includes provisions for provisional and permanent vesting in a designated authority.
The legislation has therefore drawn attention in India and abroad as lawmakers examine its possible impact on organisations receiving foreign contributions.
The Cenbtre has not indicated any change in its position following the criticism from US lawmakers. The Bill remains part of India’s legislative process.
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