An Indian climate advocacy firm denies misusing foreign funds to influence policy, following raids by financial authorities investigating over $666,000 in remittances.
NEW DELHI: An Indian climate advocacy firm has denied allegations it misused foreign funds to influence policy and threaten national energy security.
Satat Sampada issued a statement rejecting claims by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) financial crimes agency.
The ED conducted searches on Monday at the organisation’s offices and the homes of its co-founders, activist Harjeet Singh and his wife Jyoti Awasthi.
The agency alleges the firm received over $666,000 in foreign remittances between 2021 and 2025 labelled as consultancy fees.
It claims the funds were instead used to promote the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT).
An ED statement argued the treaty’s adoption could expose India to legal challenges and compromise its energy security.
The agency also alleged the company acted as a front for foreign-influenced activism and diverted some funds for personal use.
“We categorically state that the allegations being reported are baseless, biased and misleading,” Satat Sampada said.
The firm stated it had fully cooperated with the ED investigation.
It also rejected scrutiny of Singh’s visits to countries including rival Pakistan, stating his travel was for professional climate conferences.
The ED separately stated Singh was detained by state excise authorities over a liquor seizure.
Satat Sampada said he had been granted bail but did not share charge details.
The international Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, which Singh advises, issued a statement following the raids.
It reiterated its work focuses on building mechanisms for just and equitable energy transitions.
