Senior officials from the United States and India have formalized their commitment to establish the Gandhi-King Development Foundation (GKDF) by October 2024, through the signing of a Statement of Intent on June 17. This foundation is designed to reflect the shared principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., with a focus on promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The announcement of the Foundation’s creation was made by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) India on July 1.
The signing took place during White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to India. This initiative builds on the legislative groundwork laid by the US Congress with the passage of the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act in December 2020. Sponsored by Representative Gregory W. Meeks, this Act authorized USAID to establish the Gandhi-King Development Foundation. According to a statement from the US Embassy in India, this development signifies a deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, highlighted the significance of the foundation, stating, “The Gandhi-King Development Foundation represents a transformative partnership between the United States and India, rooted in the visionary ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. The foundation underscores our shared commitment to forging global progress by leveraging our collective strengths.”
The GKDF is set to become a pioneering platform for US-India collaboration on addressing global development challenges. It will operate locally within India, utilizing both public and private sector resources to support India’s national and international development objectives. The foundation’s key focus areas include combating climate change, reducing tuberculosis, improving water and sanitation, mitigating the health impacts of air pollution, enhancing educational outcomes, and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Änjali Kaur, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, who signed the Statement of Intent on behalf of USAID in New Delhi, expressed pride in supporting the foundation. She stated, “USAID is proud to support the Gandhi-King Development Foundation, which will promote inclusive and sustainable development, symbolizing the friendship and common values of the United States and India.”
The establishment of the Gandhi-King Development Foundation represents a significant step in US-India relations, symbolizing a commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges through a collaborative approach.
