Sikh Temple Accuses Hindu American Foundation Of Operating as an Unregistered Foreign Agent

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), one of the most influential advocacy organizations representing Hindu Americans, finds itself at the center of controversy over allegations it may be operating as an unregistered foreign agent of the Indian government.

In 2025, a Sikh temple in Fremont, California filed a complaint with the Department of Justice, alleging that HAF operates as an unregistered foreign agent of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and maintains what embassy documents describe as a “fiduciary” relationship with the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to Mother Jones.

The allegations stem from documents obtained through India’s Right to Information Act, which revealed the Indian Embassy’s acknowledgment of sensitive communications with HAF. When activists requested email correspondence between the embassy and HAF, the embassy refused disclosure, stating such information would “irreparably breach” trust between HAF and the embassy mission, Mother Jones reported. Crucially, the embassy indicated that some requested information contained “fiduciary” details it was entitled to withhold under Indian law.

Understanding FARA

The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) requires organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments to register with the DOJ and publicly disclose their activities, funding sources, and relationships. While it’s not illegal to operate as a foreign agent, failure to register when required constitutes a violation of federal law.

Ben Freeman, director of the Democratizing Foreign Policy program at the Quincy Institute, explained that establishing a “fiduciary relationship is really key for FARA,” though he noted the registration act can be “somewhat murky” regarding think tanks and nonprofits.

According to a 2020 DOJ memo, FARA’s purpose is “not to restrict speech, but rather to identify it as the speech of a foreign principal (when fairly attributed), and thus to enable American audiences to consider the source in evaluating the message.”

Reports indicate that Attorney General Pam Bondi has recently directed the DOJ’s National Security Division to deprioritize criminal enforcement of FARA violations, potentially affecting how aggressively such cases are pursued.

As reported by Mother Jones, the DOJ establishes several criteria for determining a foreign agent relationship, including whether the agent receives compensation, if the foreign principal has “some level of power” over the agent, whether there’s an “ongoing relationship,” if activities are “coordinated with the foreign principal,” and whether the relationship is documented in written agreements.

HAF’s Profile and Activities

Founded in 2003, HAF describes itself as providing “a better understanding and inclusion of Hindu Americans” to institutions including school boards, law enforcement, colleges, and media outlets, according to its mission statement. Mother Jones reports that on an ideological level, many have characterized HAF as being to India what the Anti-Defamation League is to Israel.

However, HAF’s activities have generated controversy. The organization has publicly opposed caste discrimination legislation in California, criticized Sikh independence movements, and challenged media coverage that frames India’s actions in Kashmir as military occupation. Critics, including a recent report by Political Research Associates, characterize HAF as “a key node in the global Hindu supremacist (or Hindutva) movement.”

The Investigation Context

The complaint comes amid heightened DOJ scrutiny of foreign influence operations in the United States. According to public records, the department conducted 26 FARA inspections in 2024, the most since 1977, indicating increased enforcement efforts.

However, the timing coincides with significant policy shifts. Reports indicate that Attorney General Pam Bondi has recently directed the DOJ’s National Security Division to deprioritize criminal enforcement of FARA violations, potentially affecting how aggressively such cases are pursued.

HAF has dismissed the allegations as motivated attacks, though specific details of their response were not immediately available. The organization continues its advocacy work, including recent Capitol Hill events highlighting human rights issues affecting religious minorities in Pakistan.

The case reflects growing tensions within the South Asian American community over India’s domestic and foreign policies. Sikh advocacy groups have increasingly challenged Hindu nationalist organizations, particularly over issues related to religious freedom and human rights in India.

For HAF, the investigation represents a significant challenge to its operations and credibility. If required to register under FARA, the organization would face mandatory disclosure of its funding sources, activities, and relationships with foreign principals—information that could substantially impact its advocacy effectiveness.

What’s Next

The DOJ has not publicly commented on the complaint or indicated whether a formal investigation has been opened. FARA investigations can be lengthy and complex, often taking months or years to resolve.

The case also highlights the challenges federal authorities face in distinguishing between legitimate advocacy by diaspora communities and potentially problematic foreign influence operations. As Freeman noted, “the DOJ hasn’t done a good job of making it clear when think tanks should and shouldn’t register under FARA.”

The outcome could set important precedents for how diaspora advocacy organizations operate and what relationships with foreign governments require disclosure under U.S. law.

This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.