Full Breakdown
Indian Authorities Investigate Climate Activist Over Fossil Fuel Campaign
1/8/2026, 8:03:34 AM
Police Raids and Allegations
Indian police have conducted raids on the homes and offices of prominent climate activist Harjeet Singh and his partner Jyoti Awasthi, co-founders of Satat Sampada Private Limited (SSPL) and the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges that Singh received approximately 60 million rupees (around £500,000) from international organizations to promote the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT), which aims to halt the expansion of fossil fuel projects globally. The ED claims that these funds were misrepresented as consultancy charges and that their true purpose was to advocate for the FFNPT in India, potentially jeopardizing the nation's energy security and economic development.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation into Singh began following intelligence received during the COP30 climate summit held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. The ED has indicated that other activists whose campaigns may threaten India's energy security are also under scrutiny. Singh's organization, SSPL, has been accused of operating as a front for foreign funding, despite its public image as a promoter of organic farming and sustainable development. The ED's statement highlighted that Singh's organization had been running at a loss until 2021, when foreign funding reportedly turned its fortunes around.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the allegations, Singh and Awasthi have stated that they consider the claims to be "baseless, biased, and misleading." They emphasized their commitment to transparency and cooperation with authorities during the investigation. Singh, who has been a vocal advocate for climate justice, argued that the accusations disregard his years of advocacy on behalf of India and other developing nations. The FFNPT Initiative, which coordinates the campaign for the treaty, has refrained from commenting on Singh's specific situation but has expressed concern about the implications for climate activism in India.
Criticism and Opposition
The investigation has drawn criticism from various civil society organizations, which argue that the Indian government has increasingly targeted climate activists. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, nearly 17,000 licenses for foreign funding have been suspended, leading to the closure of numerous civil society organizations. Critics assert that these actions represent a broader trend of repression against climate activism in India, exemplified by previous arrests of activists like Disha Ravi.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the ED claims to have found evidence of foreign funding misuse, it has not publicly detailed any specific violations related to the foreign contributions received by SSPL. Additionally, Singh's arrest was reportedly linked to an unrelated liquor violation, raising questions about the motivations behind the investigation. The ED has not confirmed whether Awasthi or other activists have faced similar legal actions.
What's Next
The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, with the ED continuing its inquiries into Singh's activities and funding sources. As the situation develops, the implications for climate activism in India and the broader discourse on fossil fuel dependency are likely to be significant.
