US Congressman Riley Moore has criticized India's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, warning it could strain bilateral relations. The proposed legislation, which introduces stricter oversight of foreign donations to NGOs, is currently under parliamentary review. Critics argue it may impact religious organizations and civil society, while the Indian government maintains the changes are necessary for transparency and national security.
US Congressman Riley Moore has expressed strong opposition to India’s proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, suggesting that the legislation could complicate relations between the United States and India. In a public statement, Moore described the bill as potentially detrimental to religious freedom, specifically raising concerns about its impact on Christian organizations and their charitable work.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill is currently being debated in India’s Parliament. A primary feature of the proposed changes is the creation of a Designated Authority. This government-appointed body would be granted the power to manage, transfer, or dispose of assets belonging to organizations that lose their FCRA registration, whether through cancellation, surrender, or non-renewal.
The bill also introduces stricter compliance requirements, such as a minimum utilization threshold for foreign funds over a two-year period. Organizations failing to meet these standards risk losing their registration. The government of India has defended these measures, arguing they are essential to ensure the transparent use of foreign donations, safeguard national security, and improve oversight of the non-profit sector.
For many non-governmental organizations, charitable trusts, and religious institutions, these proposed rules represent a significant shift in operational freedom. Critics, including various civil society groups, argue that the government would have excessive control over their activities. Concerns have been raised particularly in regions with a high concentration of foreign-funded hospitals, schools, and social welfare institutions, which rely on international support to function.
As the bill proceeds through the legislative process, the key update for stakeholders will be the final version of the rules, particularly how the Designated Authority is empowered and whether any relief mechanisms for compliance are introduced. The intersection of these regulatory changes with international relations remains a focal point for both domestic and foreign observers.