US Congressman Riley Moore has issued a stark warning regarding India's proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, asserting that the legislation constitutes a "clear attack against Christians" and could significantly strain diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Washington.
Moore's criticism centers on the amendment's potential to grant Indian authorities the power to seize control of churches and faith-based charitable organizations. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) governs how non-governmental organizations (NGOs), trusts, educational bodies, and religious institutions receive and utilize overseas funding. The proposed changes are a significant point of contention during India's parliamentary Monsoon Session.
Concerns Over Government Control
The core of the controversy lies in a new provision that would establish a government-appointed Designated Authority. This body would have the power to manage an organization's foreign funds and any property acquired with them, particularly if the organization's FCRA registration is canceled, voluntarily surrendered, or allowed to expire. Critics, including opposition parties, NGOs, and civil society groups, argue this grants the central government excessive control over entities reliant on foreign capital.
Congressman Moore highlighted the long history of Christianity in India, tracing its roots to St. Thomas the Apostle's arrival on the Malabar Coast. He then directly challenged the new Bill:
"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. 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."
Key Amendments and Impact
The proposed legislation aims to revise the existing 2010 FCRA framework. Under current rules, organizations require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to accept foreign funds, with renewals mandated every five years. As of July 15, 2026, there were 14,449 valid FCRA registrations, while 22,498 had been revoked and 15,212 had expired. Between 2019 and 2022, FCRA-registered bodies received approximately Rs 55,741 crore in foreign funds.
Beyond the Designated Authority, other significant changes include:
- Spending Floor: Organizations that utilize less than Rs 10 lakh in foreign funds over the preceding two financial years risk losing eligibility for registration renewal.
- Fund Transfer Restrictions: Tighter regulations on transferring foreign funds from one organization to another.
- Usage Timelines: Stricter deadlines for the utilization of overseas money.
- Increased Disclosure: Expanded requirements for organizations to publicly disclose details about their projects, online presence, and social media activities.
Christian groups, particularly in regions like Kerala where numerous institutions in education and healthcare have historically depended on foreign donations, are expressing acute anxiety. They fear that institutions built over generations could fall under state control if their registrations lapse or are revoked, fundamentally altering their operational autonomy and mission.