MEA’s response to a US lawmaker’s comments regarding foreign funding: “Our internal affairs”

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly objected to remarks made by a US legislator regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, claiming that such legislative issues are India’s “internal affairs.” The comments were made a few days after US Congressman Riley Moorey claimed that planned changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act would amount to a “clear attack against Christians” and allow the Indian government to seize control of churches and religious charities.

“We have seen the comments on FCRA. Legislative matters concerning India are our internal affairs on which decisions are taken by the 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,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to a query on Moorey’s remarks.

A major revision of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) framework is proposed in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was submitted in Parliament in March. It gives the government the authority to select a “designated authority” to assume control of, oversee, or sell assets made with foreign funding by non-governmental organisations whose FCRA registration has been revoked, suspended, or not renewed. Additionally, it broadens the scope of action against individuals connected to these organisations, such as trustees and directors.

Along with requiring organisations to choose from a predetermined list of goals and areas of operation, the proposed amendments stipulate that associations with foreign nationals—aside from those of Indian descent—as key functionaries will “ordinarily not be considered” for registration or prior authorisation to receive foreign contributions.

On Tuesday, Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, said in a post on X: “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 added: “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.”

Christian organisations and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma have earlier voiced concerns about the proposed changes, despite government officials’ claims that the changes are meant to improve control of foreign donations and do not specifically target any faith community. Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised that the proposed Bill will not have retroactive effects, according to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.