Fortifying Sovereignty: An Analysis of the Turnaround in Foreign Funding Regulation and Its Impact on National Security under the Leadership of Amit Shah (2019-Present)

Background: The regulation of foreign contributions to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India has undergone significant transformation since 2019, marking a critical shift in national security policy.

Objective: This study examines the transformative changes in India's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) implementation since Amit Shah's appointment as Union Home Minister in 2019, analyzing the correlation between regulatory reforms and national security outcomes.

Methods: A quantitative longitudinal analysis of Annual Returns (AR) data from the Ministry of Home Affairs spanning 2006-2025, supplemented by qualitative assessment of policy changes and security implications.

Results: The study reveals a 99.5% reduction in AR filings between 2018-2019 (22,608 filings) and 2024-2025 (119 filings), correlating with the cancellation of over 20,720 FCRA registrations. These reforms demonstrate significant improvements in regulatory compliance and transparency.

Conclusion: The post-2019 FCRA reforms have established a more disciplined regulatory framework, enhancing transparency and accountability in foreign funding while strengthening India's internal security architecture.