Written question asked by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 December 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

India: Charities

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the British High Commission in New Delhi has the resources to give practical guidance concerning national and state law to people and organisations, particularly UK charities, who wish to donate to charitable causes in India and who are not registered with India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act; and what is the name of any such guidance.

Answer: The UK Government is aware that some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have faced difficulties in India due to the strict application of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). HMG officials have discussed FCRA-related issues with the Government of India and continue to monitor developments, especially the impact on the work of British NGOs in India. The British High Commission in New Delhi regularly engages NGOs and continues to support a wide range of local NGO partners in-country, including through direct programmes. The High Commission does not provide tailored guidance on FCRA-related issues.

Secondary information