'Internal Matter': India Rejects US Lawmaker's Remarks on Proposed FCRA Amendment

New Delhi: India has sharply pushed back against criticism from a United States lawmaker regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, asserting that legislative matters are strictly an internal affair of the nation.

Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the external commentary, emphasizing that laws concerning India are framed and decided solely by its Parliament.

"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," Jaiswal stated.

The MEA spokesperson also drew a parallel to global practices, pointing out that strict oversight of foreign money is a standard mechanism employed by major democracies worldwide.

"I would also like to point out that there are several nations, including the United States, which regulate the flow of foreign funds," he added.

A U.S. lawmaker has expressed concern over proposed Indian legislative amendments regarding foreign donations to NGOs, trusts, educational institutions, and religious organizations, warning that the move could impact bilateral ties.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore stated that amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) would allow the Indian government to take over churches and religious charities, describing the measure as a "clear attack against Christians."

"Christians have been in India since St. Thomas the Apostle traveled 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 Act rules to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities," said Mr. Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, in a post 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," added Moore, a first-term congressman.

The proposed amendments to the FCRA seek to further tighten the governance and monitoring of foreign contributions entering the country. New Delhi's firm stance stresses its consistent policy of rejecting foreign interference in its domestic legislative and administrative processes.