The Ford Foundation has vacated its long-standing office at 55 Lodhi Estate in New Delhi, bringing an end to its decades-long presence at the government-allotted property. The premises have now been earmarked for two India-led international initiatives — the International Bioeconomy and Circularity Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
The change follows the expiry of the foundation’s lease. The Land & Development Office (L&DO), under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, began proceedings to recover the property in 2025. The foundation subsequently shifted out of the building in February 2026 and changed its official address in March to Level 8, DLF Centre on Sansad Marg.
From development work to a new chapter
Ford Foundation’s departure comes after more than six decades of association with India. The foundation first established its New Delhi office in 1952 after being invited by the Government of India.
Over the years, its work in the country extended across agriculture, education, rural development and institution-building. It supported programmes connected with India’s Five Year Plans and was involved in initiatives such as the Community Development Programme and the Intensive Agricultural Districts Programme.
Its assistance also reached several prominent Indian institutions, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bengaluru, IIM Kolkata, IIT Kharagpur, the Indian Institute of Public Administration and Punjab Agricultural University.
The foundation was also associated with efforts around agricultural development and the Green Revolution, besides supporting the growth of self-help groups.
Who will occupy 55 Lodhi Estate?
Following the change in occupancy, the Directorate of Estates allotted the ground and first floors of the property to the IBCA and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Both organisations are linked to India’s efforts to promote international cooperation in emerging areas of sustainable development.
The IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 and has been functioning from Shanti Niketan. The Global Biofuels Alliance was also launched by Modi during the New Delhi Leaders’ Summit in 2023. Its office is currently located at Sanrakshan Bhawan in Bhikaji Cama Place.
The building itself has a notable history
The Lodhi Estate property is part of a part of Delhi known for its post-Independence institutional architecture. The building associated with the Ford Foundation was designed by American architect Joseph Stein, whose other prominent works in the capital include the India International Centre and India Habitat Centre.
The area has also housed offices connected with United Nations agencies.
Ford Foundation’s exit, therefore, represents a change in the use of a property with a long history of housing international and development-oriented organisations.
Ford Foundation’s relationship with India
The foundation’s engagement with India began in the early years after Independence. Its work later expanded into areas including education, agriculture, governance and community development.
In more recent years, the foundation has described its India work in terms of inclusive and women-led development.
Its financial support has continued through grants and programmes across the region. In 2012, the foundation reported grants worth $13.51 million across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Globally, its 2025 financial statement recorded $773 million in approved grants.
A period of government scrutiny
The foundation’s relationship with Indian authorities has also faced scrutiny in the past.
In 2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs placed Ford Foundation on a watchlist after the Gujarat government raised concerns about funding provided to organisations including Sabrang Trust and Citizens for Justice and Peace, which were associated with activist Teesta Setalvad.
The foundation was subsequently placed under the prior-permission category for receiving certain foreign contributions. The restriction was removed in March 2016.
What changes now?
Ford Foundation’s move from Lodhi Estate does not by itself mark the end of its work in India. Instead, the immediate change concerns its office location and the government-controlled use of the premises.
The building that once served as the foundation’s Delhi headquarters will now house organisations focused on bioeconomy, circularity and biofuels — reflecting a shift in the kind of institutions occupying the government property.
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