While opposition parties in India oppose the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, several leaders condemned U.S. Lawmaker Moore's claims that the bill attacks christianity calling his comments foreign interference.
U.S. Lawmaker Riley Moore raised concerns over the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, stating that it was an attack on Christianity that could further affect India–U.S. relationship. Although the opposition parties did not agree with the proposed amendments, several opposition leaders criticised Moore's remarks, stating that it was India's internal matter.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 regulates foreign donations received by NGOs, trusts, and religious associations. Any organisation seeking foreign funds must have an FCRA registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which must be renewed every five years; without which receiving foreign contributions is illegal. Certain amendments were proposed during the monsoon session.
The changes proposed in the bill are significant. A Designated Authority will be appointed to manage the funds and assets created using foreign contributions when an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or ceases because it is not renewed, while ensuring the religious character of any place of worship is preserved.
Further, it proposes that if an organisation receives or utilises less than ₹10 lakh in foreign contributions within the preceding two financial years, it may not be eligible for renewal. It also establishes stricter timelines for the receipt and utilisation of funds, while requiring organisations to provide detailed information about their operations, websites, social media accounts, and clear reasons for how the funds will be used.
The U.S. Lawmaker and Congressman Riley Moore stated that FCRA Amendment Bill was against Christianity, emphasising that NGOs, charitable trusts, and churches could be taken over by the government. 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.
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.
— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) August 4, 2026
But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment…
U.S. Congressman Raises Concerns on FCRA Policy (Source: X)
Opposition parties oppose the Centre's proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, alleging it would restrict NGOs and civil society organisations. Several opposition leaders also slammed the U.S. lawmaker's remarks.
Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N.K. Premachandran stated that the U.S. lawmaker's comments were "absolutely unwarranted," adding:
It should be condemned that they should have nothing to do with India's legislative position, as it attacks India's sovereign character. Yes, we oppose the FCRA bill, and that is why it has been sent back and delayed. THEY ARE NO ONE TO LECTURE US
#NDTVExclusive | "Parliament of India will decide on this issue" : RSP MP NK Premachandran on US Representative's remarks on FCRA bill pic.twitter.com/IGPAnjAFEb
— NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2026
Opposition Leaders criticise Moore's remarks (Source: NDTV)
Further, CPI(M) MP John Brittas told ANI,
We do not want US lawmakers to suggest anything, and we do not appreciate any intervention from the US... We oppose this piece of legislation. We do not base our position on what others say about it. This is an internal and domestic matter. Our government and our Parliament must make the decision.
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