US Congressman Riley Moore has criticised India’s proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), calling them a “clear attack against Christians” and warning that the issue could affect bilateral relations between India and the United States.
In a post on X, Moore said Christians have had a long history in India dating back to St. Thomas the Apostle’s arrival on the Malabar Coast. He alleged that the proposed FCRA changes could allow the government to take control of churches and religious charities.
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 Amendment…
— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) August 4, 2026
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, currently under discussion during Parliament’s Monsoon Session, seeks to strengthen oversight of foreign-funded NGOs, charitable trusts, educational institutions and religious bodies.
A key proposal includes setting up a Designated Authority appointed by the Central Government, which could take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created from such funds if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or not renewed.
The Bill also proposes stricter renewal rules, including a minimum foreign contribution utilisation threshold, tighter transfer restrictions and expanded disclosure requirements.
Opposition parties, NGOs and some religious groups have raised concerns over increased government control, particularly for Christian organisations running schools, hospitals and welfare institutions. The government has defended the amendments, saying they aim to improve transparency and accountability in the use of foreign funds.
EIC Saurabh Shukla Explains Wider Diplomatic Context
Saurabh Shukla said the remarks by US Congressman Riley Moore should be viewed in the broader political context and do not reflect the official position of the US government. He highlighted that India and the US share a strong partnership, with both countries recognising the importance of religious freedom and secular values.
Shukla noted that the FCRA is an internal Indian framework related to regulation of foreign contributions and national security considerations, similar to mechanisms followed by other nations. He added that statements by individual lawmakers, particularly ahead of the US midterm elections, should be assessed separately from official diplomatic positions, and said there is no indication of any challenge to India-US ties over the matter.
