After nearly 60 years, the Ford Foundation has vacated its prime New Delhi office at 55, Lodhi Estat

After nearly 60 years, the Ford Foundation has vacated its prime New Delhi office at 55, Lodhi Estate, following the expiry of its lease.

The premises have now been allotted for PM Modi’s flagship initiatives—the International Big Cat Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance.

The irony is hard to miss.

For years, the Ford Foundation faced scrutiny in India over funding networks linked to controversial activism, including Sabrang Trust, CJP, ADR and other organisations involved in campaigns challenging India’s institutions and projecting damaging narratives abroad.

Placed under MHA’s prior-approval regime in 2015, the foundation’s India operations have long attracted questions over foreign-funded influence disguised as philanthropy.

Now, the message is clear: India’s prime public spaces will serve India’s priorities—not foreign-funded influence networks.

New India decides on its own terms. 🇮🇳