A financial investigation has raised concerns over the alleged use of overseas funds to shape policy narratives affecting India’s energy security.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, that it has uncovered “suspected misuse” of foreign funds during a probe under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The investigation is linked to Ghaziabad-based Satat Sampada Private Limited (SSPL) and focuses on whether foreign remittances were used to influence government policies and undermine India’s energy interests.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, the ED conducted searches on January 5 at multiple premises connected to SSPL across the national capital region. According to the agency, the company received foreign inward remittances of over ₹6 crore between 2021 and 2025. SSPL is run by Harjeet Singh andhis wife, Jyoti Awasthi, the agency said.
Providing background details, the ED described Singh as “a self-proclaimed climate activist”, while Awasthi was earlier associated with the Climate Action Network South Asia. The agency claimed Singh travelled to Pakistan in February 2025 for the “Breathe Pakistan Summit” and to Bangladesh in December 2025 during a period of “anti-India protests”. In Bangladesh, he allegedly delivered a lecture at Sher-e-Bangla University “without any official invitation and met various individuals unconnected to the stated purpose”. The ED said the funding sources for these foreign trips are also under examination.
The agency alleged that the remittances, shown as “consultancy charges”, were received from foreign entities such as Climate Action Network and STAND.EARTH. These organisations, the ED claimed, had themselves received large funds from non-government organisations “like Rockfellar Philanthropy Advisors”, which require prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to fund activities in India.
“However, 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 (FF-NPT) within India,” the ED alleged.
The agency said the FF-NPT is a proposed international treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuel production. “While presented as a climate initiative, its adoption could expose India to legal challenges in international forums like the International Court of Justice and severely compromise the nation’s energy security and economic development,” it added.
The ED further alleged that SSPL projected itself as an agro-based company promoting organic farming and produce, but its probe suggested this was a front. According to the agency, before 2020-21 the company operated at a loss with minimal consultancy income. “Post-2021, coinciding with the receipt of over ₹6.5 crore in foreign remittances, SSPL turned profitable by booking these funds as revenue,” it said, alleging that the directors diverted funds to personal accounts.
During searches at Singh’s residence in Ghaziabad, the ED also seized “a large cache of Indian and foreign-made liquor, beyond the permissible limits”. The matter was reported to the Uttar Pradesh State Excise Department, following which Singh was arrested for alleged violations of state excise laws.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
