Curbs on foreign funding not uniquely Indian, says govt, cites laws elsewhere ahead of bill to tweak FCRA

The Indian government argued that regulating foreign funding is common globally, citing the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and the UK's 2025 Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

The government stated 16,200 NGOs were actively registered under FCRA in 2024-25, receiving Rs 22,963 crore in foreign contributions.

Proposed FCRA amendments allow the government to seize assets of delisted NGOs, but places of worship retain their religious character with an appeal provision.

Restrictions on foreign nationals in key roles are meant to ensure foreign contributions are governed by persons with a verified connection to India.

Mandatory central approval for state-level FCRA investigations was justified by noting FCRA is a central law.