A US lawmaker has expressed concern over India’s proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), warning that the changes could become a point of concern in relations between New Delhi and Washington.
US Congressman Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, said the proposed amendments, which deal with foreign donations received by NGOs, trusts, educational institutions and religious organisations, could allow the Indian government to take over churches and religious charities.
Calling the move a “clear attack against Christians,” Moore said the proposed legislation could have implications for India-US ties if passed in its current form.
“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 (FCRA) rules to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities,” Moore wrote 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,” he added.
What the Proposed FCRA Amendment 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 not renewed.
According to the proposed legislation, if the assets include places of worship, the designated authority must ensure that their religious character is preserved while managing them.
The Bill also proposes reducing the maximum punishment for FCRA violations from five years’ imprisonment to one year.
Thousands of Organisations Receive Foreign Funds
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received foreign contributions worth ₹55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022.
Official data from the FCRA portal shows that as of July 15, 2026, there were 14,449 organisations with active FCRA registrations, while 22,498 registrations had been cancelled and 15,212 had expired.
Bill Expected to Be Introduced in Parliament
The central government is expected to introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha next week. The proposed amendments are likely to be debated in Parliament before any final decision is taken.
