New Delhi | The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Headquarters, carried out a search operation on 5 January 2026 under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, at multiple premises in Delhi-NCR linked to M/s Satat Sampada Private Limited (SSPL).
The action forms part of an ongoing probe into suspicious foreign inward remittances totaling over ₹6 crore received by SSPL between 2021 and 2025. SSPL, based in Ghaziabad, is managed by the couple Harjeet Singh and Mrs. Jyoti Awasthi.
Nature of the Foreign Remittances
ED investigations indicate that these foreign funds were routed in the guise of “consultancy charges”, received from entities including Climate Action Network (CAN) and STAND.EARTH. These entities, in turn, were recipients of substantial grants from international philanthropic organizations such as Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Final Call: FCRF Opens Last Registration Window for GRC and DPO Certifications
However, a cross-verification of filings by the remitters abroad revealed that the funds were likely intended to promote the agenda of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) within India. The FF-NPT is a proposed international treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuel production globally. While publicly framed as a climate initiative, the treaty, if enforced, could expose India to legal challenges in international forums such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and undermine national energy security and economic growth.
SSPL as a Front for Foreign-Influenced Activism
Publicly, SSPL portrays itself as an agro-based enterprise promoting organic farming and marketing organic produce. ED investigations, however, suggest that this is a front operation. The company’s principal activity appears to be channeling foreign funds to advance the FF-NPT agenda in India, on behalf of foreign influencer groups.
Financial records indicate that prior to 2020-21, SSPL operated at a loss with negligible consultancy revenue. Following the inflow of over ₹6.5 crore in foreign remittances, SSPL suddenly reported profits, booking these funds as revenue from “consultancy services” and “agro-product sales”. Investigators allege that Harjeet Singh and Mrs. Jyoti Awasthi diverted these foreign funds to personal accounts for private use, raising serious questions about the legitimacy and purpose of the remittances.
Additional Violations and Contraventions
During searches at the residential premises of Harjeet Singh in Ghaziabad, ED officials reportedly discovered a large cache of Indian and foreign-made liquor, exceeding permissible limits. The information was promptly shared with the Uttar Pradesh State Excise Department, which seized the excess liquor and arrested Harjeet Singh for contraventions of UP State Excise laws.
Directors’ Background and Foreign Travel Under Scrutiny
Harjeet Singh, a self-styled climate activist and founding director of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, and his wife Jyoti Awasthi, formerly associated with Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), have reportedly leveraged SSPL to advance foreign-funded climate activism in India. ED is also examining the couple’s foreign travels for potential links to funding and policy influence activities:
- Pakistan, February 2025: Harjeet Singh attended the Breathe Pakistan Summit and met several individuals, the purpose and outcome of these meetings are under investigation.
- Bangladesh, December 2025: Singh visited Sher-e-Bangla University during anti-India protests, delivering lectures without official invitation and meeting various persons not linked to the stated purpose. Funding for these trips is also being scrutinized.
These travels raise concerns about whether foreign funds were used to support activities that could influence domestic policies or create socio-political pressures.
Ongoing Investigation
The ED suspects mis-declaration and misutilization of foreign funds received by SSPL. The agency is investigating:
- The full extent of suspected violations of FEMA, 1999.
- Whether the funds were used to influence India’s energy policy or compromise national interest.
- The financial trail of remittances, including layering and diversion to personal accounts.
- Roles of foreign funding entities and their potential influence on SSPL’s operations.
- The activities and foreign travels of the directors in connection with these funds.
The agency has emphasized that if foreign funding is found to have violated FEMA provisions or national security interests, further legal actions, including attachment of assets, prosecution, and additional searches, will be initiated.
Implications for Policy and National Security
ED officials noted that the ongoing probe is crucial to ensure that foreign remittances are not misused against India’s strategic interests. The agency is also coordinating with regulatory authorities and intelligence agencies to map the network of foreign influence and to ensure accountability of all persons involved.
