Trump's Brand Thrives in Indian Real Estate: A 4x Growth with Rs 175 Crore Earnings
While US President Donald Trump has branded India’s economy “dead” and continues to threaten steep tariffs, his personal business interests in the country tell a very different story. The Trump Organisation’s real estate footprint in India is not only thriving, it’s set to make the country its largest market outside the United States.
As per records accessed by The Indian Express, Trump-branded projects in India have already earned the former president’s business at least Rs 175 crore through licensing fees. The expansion is accelerating: current developments aim to scale up Trump’s real estate presence from around 3 million sq. ft. to nearly 11 million sq. ft., nearly a four-fold jump.
Trump Brand in India: Zero Investment, All Returns
The Trump Organisation operates in India via a brand licensing model, not by investing its own capital, but by allowing Indian developers to use the “Trump” name on luxury real estate. These developers fund, construct, and market the properties while paying licensing fees for the branding. This asset-light model has helped Trump’s brand rapidly grow in India, without any financial risk.
Leading this charge is Tribeca Developers, helmed by Kalpesh Mehta. Tribeca is Trump’s primary partner in India and has forged collaborations with major Indian real estate names such as Lodha Group, Panchshil Realty, M3M Group, and Unimark.
Rs 15,000 Crore in Sales Expected
At the launch of its first commercial project in Pune earlier this year, Tribeca revealed that ongoing and upcoming Trump-branded developments are expected to generate sales worth at least Rs 15,000 crore (approx. $1.8 billion). This figure could rise further as more cities join the Trump property map.
India to Host the Most Trump-Branded Projects Outside the US
Currently, four Trump Tower projects are completed in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, and Kolkata, covering about 3.5 million sq. ft. But with six new projects, including in Noida, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, India is poised to become the Trump Organisation’s largest overseas market.
Among the upcoming projects are:
- Trump World Center, Pune: A 1.6 million sq. ft. commercial space in Koregaon Park, featuring twin 27-storey towers, a luxury retail street, and India’s first Trump Club, a business and leisure hub. Expected revenue: Rs 2,500 crore. - India’s First Trump-Branded Golf Course and Luxury Villas: A flagship lifestyle project, location undisclosed, marking the brand’s entry into luxury sports and residential estates. - New Trump World Towers in Mumbai, Pune, and Gurugram: Positioned to redefine high-end living with full-stack development and management handled by Indian partners.
Why Trump’s India Business Contradicts His Political Rhetoric
Ironically, this surge in Trump-branded real estate activity comes just as the US President ramps up pressure on India for its Russian oil imports, threatening a 25% tariff on Indian goods within 24 hours. Yet, the Trump Organisation’s continued expansion in Indian cities shows strong confidence in the country’s economy, even while Trump publicly undermines it.
Experts say the contradiction is emblematic of Trump's dual persona, politically combative, but commercially opportunistic. While his administration may rattle sabres, his personal brand is bullish on India’s economic story.
