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Indian-origin venture capitalist urges India to woo him with promises
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Asha Jadeja Motwani lists steps for New Delhi to regain Trump’s goodwill, including mega investments, US energy purchases, and gratitude for his China-Pakistan stance
Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani, a major Indian-American donor to the Republican Party, has urged India to “be nice” to former US President Donald Trump if it wants relief from tariffs. She claimed Trump felt “hurt, humiliated, and shocked” by a public snub during the ceasefire issue and suggested that warmth and gestures of partnership could help bring him around, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Motwani said Trump could reduce tariffs if India shows genuine warmth and announces big-ticket commitments.
According to her, India’s top business houses should pledge investments between $100 billion and $500 billion in the US. Other steps include finalising defence purchases such as Stryker and Javelin systems, committing to buy more American energy while cutting Russian crude imports, and publicly thanking Trump for his “behind-the-scenes role” in checking Chinese military influence and supporting India against Pakistan.
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“BE NICE TO TRUMP. He knows we love him, but we must show it more actively
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“American culture is different from India”
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Be more expressive,” Motwani wrote on X (formerly Twitter)
Meanwhile, Trump has imposed a 25% penalty on India, in addition to a 25% tariff, for purchasing Russian oil. The new tariffs will take effect on August 27, ahead of a US delegation’s visit to India on August 25. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also warned that Washington could increase secondary tariffs or even sanctions if negotiations falter.
The appeal comes as India faces rising tariff pressure, with Washington signalling harsher measures unless ties with Trump improve.
