Ford Foundation ends 60-year presence in India after Delhi office closure

The Ford Foundation concluded its extended tenure in India by vacating its Lodhi Estate office in February following the expiration of its lease agreement. The foundation's departure marks the end of a significant institutional presence spanning over 60 years in the national capital.

The Centre has repurposed the vacated premises by allotting the space to the International Big Cat Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance, two organizations aligned with India's environmental and sustainable development priorities.

The Ford Foundation, a major philanthropic institution with global operations, has maintained operations across South Asia for decades, supporting various development and social initiatives. The closure of its Delhi headquarters reflects changing operational strategies among international foundations, though the organization's broader work in India and the region continues through alternative arrangements.

The reassignment of the Lodhi Estate property underscores the government's focus on consolidating space for its own priority initiatives in wildlife protection and renewable energy development. The Global Biofuels Alliance, in particular, has emerged as a key platform for advancing India's clean energy objectives, while the Big Cat Alliance supports conservation efforts for endangered species.