Ford Foundation vacates historic New Delhi office after six decades

The Ford Foundation has vacated its historic office at 55, Lodhi Estate in New Delhi following the expiration of its lease. The American philanthropic organization had occupied the government-owned premises since the 1960s.

While the Land and Development Office under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs initiated proceedings to recover the property, officials stated there was no “forceful eviction,” as the foundation had already moved out in February. The organization has since updated its official address to the DLF Centre on Sansad Marg.

The vacated space has been reallocated to two India-led international initiatives. The ground and first floors have been allotted to the International Big Cat Alliance, a multinational conservation coalition launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, and the Global Biofuels Alliance, which promotes international cooperation on sustainable biofuels.