India (MNN) — India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) governs how organizations receive and use donations from outside the country. Ministries and nonprofit organizations that rely on international support must meet strict government requirements before they can legally receive foreign funds.

Ruthvik, a partner of Heart Bible, part of OneWay Ministries, says: “So now every ministry or NGO receiving funds from outside India must comply with its requirement.”

Over the past decade, India has steadily tightened FCRA enforcement. As a result, thousands of organizations have lost their registrations, leaving only about 28% of those ever registered under the law still able to receive foreign funding. Christian ministries have faced additional pressure.

A man sitting amidst bags and objects on the streets of Delhi (photo courtesy of
Mrj Cinematic via Pexels)

For some ministries, losing registration means bank accounts receiving foreign donations are frozen or blocked, making it impossible to continue programs. “They just block the mission or mission organization’s account,” explains Ruthvik.

Some ministries have had to reduce or suspend programs serving vulnerable communities after losing access to foreign funding. Christian organizations also face additional suspicion, with authorities accusing them of using humanitarian aid to persuade Hindus to convert.

“Now the government is claiming that these organizations are giving aid, money, or chocolates just to convert people from Hinduism to Christianity,” adds Ruthvik.

According to him, many of the people served by Christian ministries come from historically marginalized lower-caste communities, where discrimination remains a reality despite legal protections. These ministries have earned trust by serving people whom others often overlook. Ruthvik adds:

“Lower-caste people are not allowed to enter temples. They’re not even allowed to drink the water. That’s when Christian organizations came, and that’s how they helped people understand, ‘We’re here for you.’”

As restrictions make it harder for some ministries to operate, vulnerable families can become unintended victims.

Even so, there is hope.

“Whenever there is persecution, we need to realize that the Church is also growing,” adds Ruthvik.

Pray that Indian churches will have wisdom, endurance, and the resources they need to continue serving people despite growing challenges.

Visit OneWay Ministries to learn more about the current ministry in India.

Header photo: A young boy in rural India holds a sign (photo courtesy of Parij Photography via Pexels).