Trump's Real Estate Brand Thrives in India Despite Political Tensions
Despite Donald Trump's constant criticism of India, the country has become his biggest global market for real estate. The Trump Organization, which has 13 projects across six Indian cities, is raking in millions without much direct cash investment from the US president. The strategy mainly involves licensing out his name and reaping profits from brand hype.
India is the top global market for Trump's real estate brand, with more projects than any other country. The Trump Organization's strategy involves Indian developers constructing towers, offices, and golf courses under his name. In return, they pay licensing fees and sales royalties to the company. This way, Trump avoids huge capital risks while still reaping significant profits.
The Trump Organization has four Trump Towers in India: Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, and Kolkata. These cover about three million square feet. An additional eight million sq ft is under development in Noida, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and others. The existing towers are estimated to be worth around ₹7,500 crore, while upcoming projects are valued at around ₹15,000 crore.
Trump-branded projects in India are priced at a whopping 35% above local competitors. These include a luxury tower in Mumbai with Trump Card exclusives (for Trump golf club members) and an office tower and retail space project in Pune. Gurugram saw twin luxury towers and an office tower called Trump Residences sell out on day one, generating ₹3,250 crore.
The Trump Organization has a luxury residential project in Kolkata and plans for golf courses, villas, as well as mega-projects in Noida, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. However, Trump's deals with politically-connected Indian developers have raised alarms about conflict-of-interest in the US. The Pune project was also marred by a land acquisition probe.
