As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to escalate rhetoric against India — branding the country’s economy as “dead” and threatening crippling tariffs — his personal business empire is quietly thriving on Indian soil. The Trump Organization, despite its founder’s harsh political stance, is experiencing a real estate boom in India, which is poised to become its largest international market.
Records accessed by The Indian Express reveal that Trump-branded projects in India have already generated at least ₹175 crore (approx. $21 million) in licensing revenue for the former president’s business — all without a single rupee invested in construction or land. And the story is just beginning.
Brand Without Investment: The Trump Playbook in India
Rather than investing directly, the Trump Organization operates in India through a brand licensing model. Indian developers take on the financial and construction responsibilities, while the Trump name is licensed out for premium luxury real estate — a strategy that has allowed Trump’s brand to grow risk-free and rapidly.
At the forefront of this strategy is Tribeca Developers, led by Kalpesh Mehta, who has inked partnerships with big names like Lodha Group, Panchshil Realty, M3M, and Unimark. Together, they have expanded the Trump real estate footprint from 3 million to an anticipated 11 million sq. ft., spanning luxury towers, commercial hubs, and now even golf courses.
Rs 15,000 Crore Sales Pipeline — and Growing
At a recent event launching India’s first Trump-branded commercial property in Pune, Tribeca revealed that the ongoing and future Trump developments are expected to rack up sales worth ₹15,000 crore (approx. $1.8 billion). And this number may rise as more cities like Hyderabad, Noida, and Bengaluru come into the fold.
With four completed Trump Towers already in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, and Kolkata, and six more in the pipeline, India is now Trump’s biggest market outside the United States.
Upcoming Projects: The Trump Empire Expands
Here are some of the brand’s marquee developments in India:
- Trump World Center, Pune
A 1.6 million sq. ft. commercial space with twin 27-storey towers, luxury retail outlets, and India’s first “Trump Club”, combining business with leisure.
Projected revenue: ₹2,500 crore. - Trump-Branded Golf Course and Luxury Villas
A lifestyle-centric estate featuring India’s first Trump golf course and luxury villas. Location is still under wraps, but the project aims to marry sport with opulence. - New Towers in Mumbai, Pune & Gurugram
These full-stack, ultra-luxurious residential projects will be managed entirely by Indian partners, offering high-end living under the Trump banner.
The Irony: Tariffs and Praise Don’t Align
What makes this growth story more intriguing is its timing. President Trump’s administration is currently pressuring India over its energy ties with Russia, threatening a 25% additional tariff on Indian exports. He’s also publicly criticized India’s economic policies, calling its economy “dead.”
Yet, his company is doubling down on India, confident in its consumer appetite and market potential. Real estate analysts see this as a stark contradiction between Trump’s political posturing and commercial strategy.
“America First,” But Profits in India
“This duality is classic Trump,” said political economist Rajeev Menon. “He may criticize India publicly, but his business instincts know this is a rising economy. The Trump brand benefits from India’s elite consumer class, urban growth, and luxury real estate boom.”
While his political policies may create waves in Washington and New Delhi, Trump’s real estate business continues to cash in on Indian aspirations.
Critics argue that this contradiction exposes the blurred lines between Trump’s public office and private enterprise. “You cannot separate the businessman from the president in this case,” said Meera Subramaniam, a transparency advocate. “This raises serious ethical questions when national policy affects countries where the president has business interests.”
A Business Betting Big on India’s Future
Despite his combative tone, Trump’s brand is betting big on India. With new towers, clubs, and even luxury golf estates on the horizon, the Trump Organization sees India not as a failing economy, but a land of booming opportunities.
Whether or not the political rhetoric will eventually catch up to the business remains to be seen. But for now, Trump’s personal empire is saying what his words don’t: India is very much alive and kicking.
