India Raids Environmental Activist Over Fossil Fuel Treaty Campaign
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India’s leading environmental activist, Harjeet Singh, has been targeted in a raid by authorities investigating claims that his advocacy for a global fossil fuel treaty undermines the nation’s interests. The investigation, led by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), centers on allegations that Singh and his wife, Jyoti Awasthi, received approximately £500,000 to promote the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT).
The ED, India’s financial crime investigation agency, initiated searches at Singh’s residence and properties linked to Satat Sampada (Nature Forever), the organization co-founded by Singh and Awasthi. According to a statement released by the agency, the searches are part of an ongoing probe into “suspicious foreign inward remittances” disguised as consultancy fees. These funds allegedly originated from climate campaign groups supported by organizations like Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
“Cross-verification of filings made by the remitters abroad indicates that the funds were actually intended to promote the agenda of the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty within India,” the ED stated.
Understanding the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
The FFNPT Initiative is an international effort advocating for a treaty to halt new fossil fuel exploration and gradually phase out existing use. Endorsed by 17 national governments, including the Pacific Island nations of Vanuatu and Tuvalu, as well as the World Health Organization and the European Parliament, the treaty has garnered support from a broad coalition of civil society organizations.
However, Indian authorities express concern that adopting the FFNPT could expose the nation to legal challenges in international courts, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and jeopardize its energy security and economic development. “While presented as a climate initiative, its adoption could… severely compromise the nation’s energy security and economic development,” a senior official stated.
Arrest and Further Investigation
During the search of Singh’s Delhi home, authorities reportedly discovered a quantity of whiskey exceeding legal limits. Singh was briefly arrested by local police and subsequently released on bail Monday night. The ED is also investigating Singh’s travel to Pakistan and Bangladesh last year, focusing on the funding sources for these trips.
Singh and Awasthi released a statement asserting their innocence, stating, “We categorically state that the allegations being reported are baseless, biased and misleading.” They cited legal constraints preventing them from disclosing further details about the case.
Growing Pressure on Indian Civil Society
This investigation occurs against a backdrop of increasing pressure on civil society organizations in India under the Narendra Modi administration. Nearly 17,000 licenses for receiving foreign funding have been suspended, leading to the closure of numerous organizations.
According to reports in the Hindustan Times, the investigation into Singh was triggered by intelligence gathered at Cop30, the UN climate conference held in Belém, Brazil, last November. Another unnamed official indicated that other activists involved in climate campaigns perceived as detrimental to India’s energy security are also under scrutiny.
Allegations of a Front Organization
The ED alleges that Satat Sampada operated as a front, publicly presenting itself as an organic produce marketing company while allegedly channeling foreign funds to advance the FFNPT agenda. The agency claims the company experienced financial losses until 2021, when payments labeled as “consultancy services” and “agro-product sales” significantly improved its financial standing.
“The ED suspects misdeclaration and misrepresentation of the nature and purpose of the foreign funds received by SSPL,” the agency stated. “The agency is investigating the full extent of the suspected violations… and whether the activities funded were against the national interest, specifically India’s energy security.”
Singh and Awasthi maintain that Satat Sampada was established in 2016 using their personal savings and loans, and that its consultancy and management services expanded after Singh transitioned from full-time employment to focus on the organization’s work. “His work and contributions are well documented across print, digital, television and social media, as well as public platforms,” they said.
The case raises critical questions about the space for environmental advocacy in India and the government’s response to international climate initiatives.
