U.S. State Department Cancels Phase Two of Weiss/Manfredi's New Delhi Embassy Masterplan
The second phase of the U.S. Embassy masterplan in New Delhi, created by Weiss/Manfredi and set to be constructed by BL Harbert International, has been scrapped by the U.S. Department of State. This choice, prompted by Ambassador Sergio Gor, comes after notable delays and budget overruns. The first phase, which featured a new support annex, was finished on May 23, 2026, and attended by Secretary Marco Rubio. Although the second phase, which aimed to introduce a new office building, has been cancelled, crucial utility, security, and residential tasks will proceed, with an anticipated completion in early 2027. Initially unveiled in 2019, the project began in 2021, with costs escalating from $874 million to $1.2 billion, and is expected to finish in 2036. Future developments remain unclear.
Key facts
- Phase two of Weiss/Manfredi's masterplan for the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi cancelled by U.S. Department of State.
- Cancellation influenced by Sergio Gor, U.S. Ambassador to India, due to cost and schedule overruns.
- Phase one completed and dedicated on May 23, 2026, with Secretary Marco Rubio attending.
- Phase two included a new office building; a 200-foot-long pit excavated for it has been filled.
- Original cost estimate in 2021 was $874 million; by June it had ballooned to $1.2 billion.
- Project was nine years behind schedule and would finish in 2036.
- Trump approved cancellation in December 2025 after a presentation.
- Existing embassy completed in 1959 by Edward Durrell Stone, who also designed the Kennedy Center.
- Work on Staff Diplomatic Apartment building continues, expected to conclude in early 2027.
Entities
Artists
- Marion Weiss
- Michael Manfredi
- Edward Durrell Stone
- Joel Shapiro
Institutions
- Weiss/Manfredi
- BL Harbert International
- U.S. Department of State
- Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
- U.S. Embassy in New Delhi
- The New York Times
- Kennedy Center
Locations
- New Delhi
- India
- Washington, D.C.
- United States