Many observers of Indian politics expected a vote this summer on a bill that would be ruinous for Christian ministries and other religious organizations that receive foreign donations. Thankfully, movement on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill of 2026 has been halted, at least for now. 

RFI issued a press release on July 24th urging opposition to the bill, which Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, introduced in India’s lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, in March. It appeared to have some forward momentum as the spring progressed, which led RFI President David Trimble to express serious concerns about the legislation back in June. 

Especially vulnerable to the FCRA’s provisions are Christian churches, hospitals, clinics, schools, media organizations, food ministries, and many others that benefit from the generosity of faithful American donors. Earlier this week, however, circumstances surrounding the bill took a positive turn. The Lok Sabha referred the FCRA to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Though not immediately clear by that description, such a referral means the bill will not be acted upon further during this summer session. 

The JPC will include members from both Houses of Parliament, and is required to submit a report on the FCRA to Parliament within the first week of the 2026 Winter Session (which will likely begin in early December). RFI will gladly join religious groups and other civil society organizations in calling on the JPC to take the next necessary step and withdraw the bill entirely. Whatever happens, the JPC should at the very least insist that the FCRA be amended to remove the egregious property seizure provisions. 

While the JPC process opens the possibility for such welcome outcomes, there are no guarantees, and this delay in action on the bill could also be used to distract opponents for a time until the bill can be taken up again.

We commend the Lok Sahba for temporarily halting the FCRA, but we remain vigilant – and encourage concerned world leaders to do the same –  about what may come in December regarding this disastrous legislation.