# Indian envoy defends FCRA Bill, says US has similar laws 2026-08-10T11:10:01+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet India’s ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has issued a 'Myth vs Reality' defence of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, amid criticism from a US lawmaker and sections of civil society. He said the bill aims to improve transparency and is common in democracies, pointing to US laws like FARA and FATCA. Kwatra rejected claims that the law targets a particular religion or would shut down law-abiding NGOs, noting foreign contributions rose from $1.2 billion in 2010, 11 to $2.67 billion in 2024, 25. Kwatra said an asset-seizure provision is not new, it has existed since 2010, and that the 2026 bill adds a 'Designated Authority' to safeguard assets and a mechanism to return them if registration is restored. Places of worship get separate protection, he added. The bill does not prohibit foreign donations but requires registration, receipt via prescribed channels and reporting of usage. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: civil society, FCRA, Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, national security, transparency, Vinay Mohan Kwatra Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/us-has-similar-laws-says-indian-envoy-on-fcra-bill-row/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/us-has-similar-laws-says-indian-envoy-on-fcra-bill-row/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.