**Title: New Delhi Addresses US Concerns Over Foreign Funding Regulations**
In a recent escalation of diplomatic tensions, India's proposed amendments to its foreign funding regulations for charities and religious organizations have drawn criticism from a US lawmaker. In response, India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, took to social media platform X to clarify misconceptions and defend the legislation.
The controversy began when Republican Congressman Riley Moore expressed concerns regarding the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026 (FCRA). Moore claimed that the bill could potentially allow the Indian government to seize control of churches and religious charities, framing it as a direct attack on Christians in India. He warned that such actions could have detrimental effects on India-US relations.
In a series of detailed posts on Monday, Ambassador Kwatra countered these allegations with a "Myth vs. Reality" approach. He emphasized that the proposed amendments apply uniformly to all organizations, irrespective of their religious affiliations or ideologies.
Kwatra pointed out that the FCRA amendments include provisions for establishing a "designated authority" that would manage foreign contributions and assets of organizations that lose their FCRA registration. He clarified that if an organization regains its registration, all assets and unused funds would be returned in full. Furthermore, he noted that if a canceled organization had created property linked to a place of worship, that property would be transferred to another FCRA-registered organization of the same faith, ensuring continuity of worship.
The ambassador highlighted that only about 14,450 of the approximately 3 million non-profits operating in India currently hold FCRA registration. He described India's regulation of foreign funds as a "sovereign step" driven by national security concerns, stating that the FCRA does not prohibit the acceptance of foreign charity, research grants, or humanitarian aid. Instead, it requires organizations to register, receive funds through established processes, and report on their activities.
Moore's comments have added to existing strains in India-US relations, particularly in light of recent developments such as the US Senate's passage of a bill allowing the administration to impose 100% tariffs on Russia's top oil customers, of which India is the second-largest buyer. Additionally, India has been cautious about finalizing a trade deal with the US, wary of potential tariffs that could undermine the benefits of such an agreement.
The Indian foreign ministry also responded to Moore's allegations, with spokesman Randhir Jaiswal asserting that the regulation of foreign funds is a common practice in many countries, including the US. He emphasized that legislative matters concerning India are internal affairs, decided by the country's Parliament.
The Indian government maintains that the FCRA amendments aim to prevent the misuse of foreign funds while enabling legitimate organizations to continue their essential work. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these regulatory changes will impact India's international relations, particularly with the United States.