A US Congressman has criticised the amendments proposed to India’s foreign funding law, alleging that they could allow government control over churches and religious charities and warning that the issue could affect bilateral ties between India and the United States.

Republican Congressman Riley Moore said the proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) amounted to “a clear attack against Christians” and urged India not to proceed with the legislation in its present form.

US Congressman Raises Concerns

In a post on X, Moore, who represents West Virginia in the US House of Representatives, referred to Christianity’s long history in India, tracing it back to the arrival of St Thomas the Apostle on the Malabar Coast.

“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 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,” he added.

What the Proposed Bill Says

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 proposes the creation of a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and assets created using such funds if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or lapses due to non-renewal.

Under the proposed law, the Designated Authority would assume control over the management of such assets until they are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

The Bill also states that where the assets include a place of worship, the Designated Authority must ensure that its religious character is preserved.

Another proposed amendment seeks to reduce the maximum punishment for violations of the FCRA from five years’ imprisonment to one year.

FCRA Governs Foreign Funding

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act regulates the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by non-governmental organisations, charitable trusts, educational institutions, religious organisations and other associations in India.

According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received foreign contributions amounting to Rs 55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022.

Government figures also show that, as of July 15, 2026, India had 14,449 organisations with active FCRA registrations, while 22,498 registrations had been cancelled and another 15,212 had expired.

The proposed amendments are currently under consideration and have not yet been enacted into law.

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