India on Friday dismissed criticism by a US lawmaker over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), asserting that legislation enacted by Parliament is an internal matter and noting that many countries, including the United States, regulate foreign funding.
Addressing the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) weekly media briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Parliament alone decides on India’s legislative matters.
“Regarding the issue you are referring to, we have seen it and several comments have been made on it. As far as legislative matters are concerned, and particularly matters relating to India’s own legislation, this is an internal matter for us, on which our Parliament takes the decision,” Jaiswal said.
He added that “several countries in the world, including the United States, regulate foreign funds and foreign financing.”
The remarks came in response to comments by US Congressman Riley Moore, who criticised the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, claiming it could enable government control over churches and religious charities and could affect India-US relations.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and assets of organisations whose FCRA registration has been cancelled, surrendered or has lapsed. It also provides that if such assets include a place of worship, its religious character must be preserved. The Bill further proposes reducing the maximum punishment for certain violations from five years’ imprisonment to one year.
Monitoring regional security developments
Responding to questions on the recently signed trilateral defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring the development.
“This is also a development that we are closely following, and we shall keep you updated,” he said.
He gave a similar response when asked about reports of a security agreement between Pakistan and Somalia, saying New Delhi was keeping a close watch on developments.
Safety of Indian seafarers a priority
On the sinking of the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea earlier this week, Jaiswal said the safety and security of Indian vessels and seafarers remains a matter of “high importance.”
“Our missions across the Gulf region are in constant contact with shipping and maritime authorities. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the free flow of commerce through international waterways,” he said.
He urged all parties to refrain from targeting civilians, commercial vessels and maritime infrastructure.
The vessel was attacked off the coast of Yemen, but all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard.
Humanitarian approach on fishermen issue
The MEA also said India reiterated the need for a humanitarian approach to issues concerning Indian fishermen during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Sri Lanka.
Jaiswal said India urged Sri Lanka to consider the livelihood concerns of fishermen while addressing the issue.
“The welfare of our fishermen should be given due consideration, keeping in mind their livelihood issues and humanitarian considerations,” he said.
During his visit to Colombo, Misri met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. The two sides also reviewed ongoing development cooperation projects, including reconstruction assistance following Cyclone Dithwah and new Line of Credit agreements for railway and livestock projects.
PM Modi, Netanyahu review bilateral ties
Jaiswal also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation on Thursday to review bilateral relations and discuss regional developments in West Asia.
The conversation, initiated by the Israeli side, focused on expanding cooperation under the India-Israel Strategic Partnership across multiple sectors.
“During the conversation, it was discussed as to how we can further strengthen this bond, this friendship that we have with Israel across various sectors,” Jaiswal said.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), both leaders reviewed progress in bilateral ties, exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and agreed to remain in close contact. The discussions come as India and Israel continue negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement and expand cooperation in areas including defence, infrastructure, finance and trade.
(With ANI inputs)
