Prominent Climate Activist Harjeet Singh has strongly rebutted claims by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that his association with the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative harms India's energy security. In a statement issued on January 8, 2026, Singh described the agency's assertion as "far from the truth," emphasizing his consistent praise for the Indian government's achievements in renewable energy expansion and meeting climate targets ahead of schedule. The response comes amid an ongoing ED probe into foreign funding received by his organization.

The ED conducted searches on January 6 at premises linked to Singh's NGO, Satat Sampada Climate Foundation (SSPL), in Delhi and Ghaziabad, investigating alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Officials familiar with the matter indicated the probe involves over ₹6 crore in foreign funds allegedly used to influence energy sector policies. The investigation was reportedly triggered by intelligence gathered during the COP30 summit in Brazil, with sources claiming some climate activists were undermining India's stance on fossil fuel issues.

SSPL, co-founded by Singh and his wife, Jyoti Awasthi, in 2016 using personal savings, focuses on organic farming, sustainable development, and climate action. The organization stated it fully cooperated with ED officials during the searches, providing all requested documents. It highlighted Singh's 25-year career in development, emergency response, and climate change, noting his international travels—including to Pakistan and Bangladesh—were solely for professional conferences where he advocated for developing countries and showcased India's renewable energy progress.

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Singh reiterated that his global advocacy aligns with India's interests, promoting energy independence through clean solutions and urging developed nations to fulfill climate finance commitments. He called the portrayal of his work as detrimental to national security a "serious misrepresentation." Separately, Singh was briefly detained by Uttar Pradesh excise authorities on January 5 after unlicensed liquor was found at his residence but was granted bail the following day.

The case has drawn attention to increasing scrutiny of climate activists and NGOs receiving foreign contributions. While the ED has not publicly detailed findings from the searches, the probe underscores ongoing concerns about external influence on India's energy and environmental policies amid its transition to sustainable development. SSPL remains committed to cooperation with authorities as the investigation continues.

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