Trump's Expansion in India

When Donald Trump began his first presidential campaign, two Trump-branded buildings were under construction in India, one in Mumbai and the other in Pune. Before his victory in 2016, the Trump Organization expanded its business in India, signing deals in two more major cities. The day after Trump's win, a developer in India announced half a dozen new deals, further solidifying India's place in the Trump Organization's business strategy.

These deals involve Indian companies purchasing land, constructing high-rises, selling units, and paying a fee to use the Trump name. With Trump's return to the White House, India is emerging as a focal point for potential conflicts of interest. During his first term, it was unprecedented for a sitting U.S. president to have extensive business interests abroad. In his second term, the Trump Organization aims to issue a more limited ethics plan that is unlikely to significantly curb its growth.

India's Growing Economy and Trump's Brand

India's economy is projected to surpass Japan's and become the world's fourth-largest by 2025. The country's high-end consumer class has been rapidly growing wealthier, even as a larger part of the population struggles with stagnant incomes. Trump has long had a friendly political alliance with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose support has bolstered the Trump brand in India.

Anuj Puri, founder and chair of Anarock, one of India's largest property consultants, noted that many among India's wealthy, flush with returns from the stock market, have begun to focus on enjoying their wealth rather than just saving it. Kalpesh Mehta, founder of Tribeca Developers, a Mumbai-based company working with the Trump Organization, announced plans for Trump Tower buildings in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and more in Mumbai, Pune, and the outskirts of New Delhi.

Construction and Sales in India

Aside from the two fully built Trump Tower buildings in Mumbai and Pune, other projects carrying the Trump brand are in various stages of construction. After Trump's first election victory, the Trump Organization vowed not to cut new international deals while he was in office, handing over operations to his sons Donald Jr. and Eric. Mehta mentioned that the Trump sons discussed visiting India in the first half of 2025 to promote new projects.

In 2018, Donald Trump Jr. faced ethical scrutiny during a visit to India for a geopolitics talk, later clarifying that he was there as a businessman. The Trump Organization, based in New York, declined to answer specific questions about its India plans, stating that they are proud of their achievements in the region and look forward to more.

A 38-story tower in Kolkata, started by local developer Unimark, was rebranded as Trump Tower Kolkata in 2016, attracting buyers even at higher prices. Sales agents and apartment owners in Kolkata noted the appeal of the Trump name but expressed frustration over construction delays and concerns about Unimark's financing.

Sumit Bhalotia, an accountant in Kolkata, made a down payment towards a $700,000 apartment near the end of the first Trump administration. The due date for Trump Tower Kolkata, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was extended to September 2024. Despite the delay, Bhalotia remains hopeful about the project.