Indian climate activist Harjeet Singh denies ED allegations of foreign fund misuse, calling them a misunderstanding of civil society, as scrutiny of climate activism intensifies amid energy security concerns nationwide.
Renowned Indian climate activist and director of Satat Sampada Private Limited (SSPL), Harjeet Singh, has denied allegations of misusing foreign funds to influence government policies and undermine India’s energy security.
Singh clarified that he has never worked with the Indian government and accused authorities of misunderstanding civil society efforts. “Unfortunately, the Indian government is unable to understand the viewpoint of civil society and activists like us, who are actually aligned with what the government is saying,” he said.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed that SSPL received Rs 6 crore from international NGOs, including Climate Action Network and STAND.EARTH since 2021. The agency alleged that these funds were intended to promote the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) within India, a proposed international initiative aimed at phasing out fossil fuels.
The ED has searched properties linked to climate activists Harjeet Singh and Sanjay Vashist and arrested Singh, who has since secured bail. This move comes months after the National Investigation Agency arrested Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Singh was arrested in Ghaziabad on Tuesday in connection with an excise case involving “excess liquor” allegedly found at his residence. The arrest followed ED searches at multiple locations linked to SSPL in the Delhi-NCR region.
The case has sparked debate over the role of civil society in India and the increasing scrutiny of climate activism amid concerns over energy security.
Speaking to the media, Singh rejected all allegations and said he has consistently praised India’s progress in renewable energy while advocating greater support from developed nations to help developing countries transition to clean energy.
“I have been on record saying that India’s renewable energy journey is exceptional. India should be applauded for what it has achieved with limited international finance,” Singh said.
A climate activist for more than 25 years, Singh has been a prominent voice from the Global South at international platforms such as the UN Climate Conference (COP). He has urged developed nations to provide stronger support to developing countries and emphasized that the FF-NPT is meant to assist developing nations rather than interfere with India’s policies.
The ED also cited Singh’s recent visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of its scrutiny. In Pakistan, he attended a conference on air pollution, while in Bangladesh, he delivered a speech on climate justice. Singh suggested these visits may have triggered the investigation. “Whenever I go abroad, I act as an ambassador of India, sharing our achievements,” he said.
SSPL and the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, run by Singh and his wife Jyoti Awasthi, do not hold a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license, which is required for Indian NGOs to legally receive foreign funding. The ED alleged that SSPL’s agro-based business was used as a front for activism, claiming foreign funds were misreported as revenue from consultancy services and organic produce sales.
Singh rejected these allegations and maintained that SSPL has operated in line with its stated objectives since its founding in 2016, offering consultancy services and engaging in organic farming.
“We are providing consultancy services just like any other firm. Why target my organisation when we are doing legitimate work?” he said.
