India Considers Changes to Foreign Funding Rules for Religious Groups

Indian Parliament is scheduled to consider amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act during its Monsoon Session from July 21 to August 12. The changes would expand government authority to take over property and assets of groups that receive foreign funding when their licenses lapse, are denied, or are not renewed.

The amendments would apply retroactively and cover cases where even a small portion of an asset was financed with foreign contributions. Organizations that had licenses revoked years earlier could still face asset seizure under the new provisions. The bill targets groups such as Christian churches and charities, including hospitals and schools.

In some cases, the entire property of a church or diocese could be transferred to a government-designated authority for management or disposal.

Concerns about government treatment of religious organizations in India predate the current administration. Earlier governments also maintained anticonversion laws that limited certain religious activities. The United States and India maintain ongoing diplomatic relations.

Officials from both countries are scheduled to meet in New Delhi to discuss bilateral issues. The proposed legislation would affect faith-based organizations operating with foreign funding. Supporters of the changes cite regulatory oversight needs, while critics point to risks for religious institutions.