India Investigates Environmental Activists for Alleged Foreign Funding Violations

Indian authorities have initiated an investigation into Harjeet Singh and his wife, Jyoti Awasthi, co-founders of the environmental organization Satat Sampada (Nature Forever). The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a financial law enforcement agency, conducted raids at their residence and the organization's properties, alleging that they received approximately £500,000 to promote the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT). The ED claims this treaty, which seeks to halt new fossil fuel exploration and phase out existing use, could jeopardize India's energy security and economic development.

The Guardian

The ED's investigation centers on claims that Singh and Awasthi misrepresented the nature of foreign funds received, suggesting that Satat Sampada was operating as a front for foreign interests rather than a legitimate environmental organization. The agency's statement indicated that the funds were purportedly intended to support the FFNPT agenda in India, which they argue could expose the country to legal challenges in international courts. The investigation reportedly began following intelligence gathered during the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025.

The Guardian

Founded in 2016, Satat Sampada initially operated on personal savings and loans. The organization shifted its focus to consultancy and management services in 2021, coinciding with a significant increase in foreign funding. The ED has raised concerns about the financial viability of the organization prior to this influx, suggesting that it was running at a loss until foreign payments were received.

The Guardian

The actions against Singh and Awasthi have drawn attention to the broader context of civil society repression in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. Reports indicate that nearly 17,000 licenses for foreign funding have been suspended, leading to the closure of numerous civil society organizations. Critics argue that these measures are part of a systematic effort to stifle dissent and limit the influence of environmental advocacy in India.

The Guardian

In response to the allegations, Singh and Awasthi have stated that the claims against them are "baseless, biased and misleading." They emphasized their commitment to environmental advocacy and the legitimacy of their organization's activities. The ED, however, maintains that it is investigating potential violations of economic laws and the implications of foreign funding on national interests.

The Guardian

While the ED has presented its case against Singh and Awasthi, the activists have not been able to publicly disclose details due to legal constraints. The investigation's outcomes and the full extent of the allegations remain unclear, with ongoing scrutiny of other activists involved in climate campaigns deemed potentially harmful to India's energy security.

The Guardian

• “While presented as a climate initiative, its adoption could expose India to legal challenges in international forums like the international court of justice (ICJ) and severely compromise the nation’s energy security and economic development.” — Enforcement Directorate

The Guardian

• “We categorically state that the allegations being reported are baseless, biased and misleading.” — Harjeet Singh and Jyoti Awasthi

The Guardian

The investigation into Singh and Awasthi highlights the tensions between environmental advocacy and national interests in India, raising critical questions about the future of civil society in the country.

The Guardian