Knowing how to conduct yourself within the framework of a specific culture can be

crucial to the success of your business in any foreign country and India is no
exception. This is why it is important to study the country’s culture and background
before doing business on the ground, and one of the keys to conducting yourself
successfully among the local people is by practicing and refining business etiquette
in India.

Appearance

First impressions are important. In India, men and women are expected to dress in
certain ways, sometimes adhering to religious beliefs and practices. Men for
example are usually expected to wear a suit and tie for business, although in the
summertime, they are allowed to remove the jacket due to the heat. Women, on
the other hand, are expected to dress conservatively, with practical dresses and
pantsuits as the general preference.

It is also important to note that leather belts or bags may be considered offensive to
some Indians since they consider cows to be holy. Hindus venerate cows and this
bovine reverence often means refraining from the use of leather products.

Manners

Belief in certain religious ideas often dictates how Indians conduct themselves both
personally and professionally. For example, it is considered insulting to call
someone over by gesturing with the palm up and a finger wagging. Standing
upright with hands on the hips is also considered to be an angry or aggressive
posture and should be avoided if possible.

Whistling, though unintentional, is impolite and winking thought of as insulting

especially to women. It may be misconstrued as a form of sexual provocation.
Pointing feet is impolite as well, as Indians believe that feet are unclean, so that if
your feet or shoes accidentally touch a person, it is necessary to apologize.

Gift-giving is also a common practice among Indians. However, wrapped gifts must
not be opened in front of the giver. It is customary in India to set aside wrapped
gifts and open them when the giver has already left.
Communication

In a country as big as India, there are bound to be a profusion of different languages

and dialects, but the good thing about doing business in India is that here, English is
used as their primary means of communication when doing business. Take not,
however, that although English is used, there are words in the language that may
take on a different meaning when used in the context of an Indian culture.

The word "no" for example, can be a very harsh word for the local people. As such,
refusing an invitation directly is often avoided. Indians prefer to be evasive in
replying negatively, often preferring to say “I’ll try” rather than being outright in
declining.

"Thank you" is another curiosity when used in India. In general, Indians find it
offensive when their guests thank them at the end of a meal. Saying "thank you" is
considered a form of payment and unacceptable among hosts when said by their
guests.

Finally, it is important to note that titles are important in India so that it when
communicating with business partners, it is a must to address them using the
correct titles.

Keeping these simple tips in mind can make a big difference when conducting
business in India, so before hitting the ground, get to know the people and their way
of life, and this little investment on knowledge will do you a world of good in this
fascinating and culturally rich country.

We hope that our Doing Business in India Guide will help answer some of the routine
questions we get asked. Please Contact Us if you need more in-depth assistance
when looking to do business with India. We'll be glad to help.

Doing Business - Meeting and Greeting

When doing business in India, meeting etiquette requires a handshake. However,
Indians themselves use the namaste. This is where the palms are brought together
at chest level with a slight bow of the head. Using the namaste is a sign of your
understanding of Indian etiquette.
Names speak volumes about an Indian's background. For example, a Singh will
always be a Sikh. The suffix "-jee" ( as in Banerjee) is a sign of a high caste. "Kar"
(as in Chandraskar) denotes that person is of Maharashtan high caste. Arabic
sounding names will be used by Muslims.
When addressing an Indian whom you know personally, always use the appropriate
formal title, whether Professor, Doctor, Mr, Mrs or if you do not know their names
then Sir or Madam will suffice.
When doing business in India, business cards should be exchanged at the first
meeting. It is a good idea to have it translated on one side into Hindi, more as a
sign of respect as opposed to linguistic necessity. Be sure to receive and give with
your right hand. Make sure the card is put away respectfully and not simply pushed
into a trouser pocket.
Doing Business - Building Relationships
Doing business in India involves building relationships. Indians only deal favourably
with those they know and trust - even at the expense of lucrative deals. It is vital
that a good working relationship is founded with any prospective partner. This must
take place on a business level, i.e. demonstrating strong business acumen, and at a
personal level, i.e. relating to your partner and exhibiting the positive traits of
trustworthiness and honour.
Doing Business - Meetings and Negotiations
Meetings should be arranged well in advance. This should be done in writing and
confirmed by phone. Avoid meetings near or on national holidays such as
Independence Day, Diwali or either of the two Eids. Avoid the heat by scheduling
between October and March.
Punctuality is expected, although being 10 minutes late will not have disastrous
consequences. Flexibility is paramount. Family responsibilities take precedence over
business so last minute cancellations are possible when doing business.
When entering a meeting room you must always approach and greet the most
senior figure first. Meetings should always commence with some conversation. This
is part of the 'getting to know you' process. Favourable topics of conversation are
the latest business news, the fortunes of the Bombay Stock Exchange or cricket.
Avoid talking about personal matters and, if new to India, do not comment on
matters such as the poverty or beggars.
If your business dealings in India involve negotiations, always bear in mind that
they can be slow. If trust has not yet been established then concentrate efforts on
building a rapport. Decisions are always made at the highest level. If the owner or
Director of the company is not present, the chances are these are early stage
negotiations.
Indians do not base their business decisions solely on statistics, empirical data and
exciting PowerPoint presentations. They use intuition, feeling and faith to guide
them. Always exercise patience, show good character and never exhibit frustration
or anger.
When negotiating avoid high pressure tactics. Do not be confrontational or forceful.
Criticisms and disagreements should be expressed only with the most diplomatic
language. Indian society has an aversion to saying "no" as it is considered rude due
to the possibility of causing disappointment or offense. Listen carefully to Indians'
responses to your questions. If terms such as "We'll see", "I will try" or "possibly"
are employed then the chances are that they are saying 'no'.
Once terms have been agreed you will be expected to honour them. When
negotiations end successfully continue the relationship building process with a
celebration dinner.

Tips

Close familiarity with the Indian business ethic can help you when doing business in India. It
is advisable to pay attention to the following tips:

• A short and light, not firm, handshake is the customary start to a business meeting. It
is advisable to start the meeting with 'small talk' and only after that to pass to
business matters. During the meeting it is customary to address your Indian
colleagues with the title that signifies their status: "Professor X" or "Mr. X" or Miss X"
with the name that follows the title being the surname and not a first name.
• Business cards should be exchanged at the beginning of a business meeting. Take
care before the meeting to have an adequate supply of business card that will be
sufficient for all those present at the meeting.
• Business behavior in India is very similar to that of most western countries. Most
Indians of the managerial and technical levels have a good command of both spoken
and written English.
• Senior executives in India wear suits. At the same time, because of the climatic
conditions, they sometimes dress less formally. Business women are recommended
to dress conservatively.
• Although it is customary to shake a male colleague lightly by the hand at the start of
the meeting, shaking hands with women is a very sensitive point in Indian culture.
The important rule is that shaking a woman by the hand is at the woman's initiative.
Only when an Indian woman offers her hand, is it acceptable to shake it. In the
absence of a handshake, the custom all over India is the greeting of peace known as
"Namaste". When making this greeting, hold the palms of both hands together under
the chin, smile, bow slightly and say "Namaste".
• In Indian culture, it is considered improper for a man and woman to embrace and kiss
in public.
• When presenting gifts, take care that the gift-wrapping is neither black nor white as
these are believed to bring bad luck. On the other hand, the colors that are thought
to bring good luck are red, green and yellow. It is not customary in India to open a
gift in the presence of its donor. If you receive a gift from your Indian colleague, open
it only after your colleague has left the room.
• Acceptable gifts are flowers, chocolate, perfume and small electronic goods.
Sensitivity should be shown to ethnic background in India. Thus, for example, you
should refrain from giving gifts that have a picture of a dog (dogs are considered
 unclean animals). It is also important to know that many Indians do not drink alcohol
or eat beef.
• During meetings, try not to stand with your hands on your hips. This is considered as
an aggressive posture in India.
• The best time of the year for a visit to India is between the months of October and
March. Do not arrange business meetings for national holidays, It is important to
remember that apart from the national holidays there are many festivals that are
specific to certain regions of India As holidays are not fixed according to the
Gregorian calendar, it is important to make sure of the dates of holidays with the
Embassy of India in your country of origin before fixing an appointment.
• Indians are not particularly punctual and if you have fixed a time for a meeting, this
may be regarded with some "flexibility" by your Indian counterpart.

Tips & Warnings

If presented with a gift, set it aside to open later. Do not open it in the presence of
the giver.

Don't use leather goods, such as belts, shoes, and purses, in public in India.
Approximately 81 percent of the country is Hindu, a religion that reveres cows, and
use of leather could be considered offensive.

Never touch someone's head, even if, for example, you meet a child of your
associate's. In Indian culture, the head is considered the seat of the soul

Instructions

1Wear a suit and tie, for men, or a conservative dress or pant suit, for women, when
conducting business.

2 Keep upper arms, back, chest and legs covered at all times if you are female.
Shorts are never acceptable, even when exercising.
3 Use the traditional greeting of "namaste," with hands in a praying position,
bowing slightly, especially if unsure if a handshake is proper. Though the Western
handshake is commonly used worldwide today, and would likely be fine if doing
business with foreign colleagues in the U.S., knowing your host country's alternative
will impress them and may help you avoid an uncomfortable situation.

4 Use professional titles when addressing your business colleagues whenever you
can. Titles are very important.

5 Use the word "no" sparingly, or not at all. It is considered harsh in Indian culture,
and it is preferable to be more evasive when answering in the negative. Keep the
conversation polite and nonconfrontational.

Business Meetings Etiquettes

Because India's economy is rapidly expanding, there are opportunities for Indian
professionals to work with international clients who can outsource work to them.
When doing business in India, it's best to be aware of the country's business
meeting etiquette so you can begin and maintain a satisfactory professional
relationship.

Punctuality

Professionals in India greatly value punctuality. It is essential that all business

meeting participants be on time. However, it is not uncommon to wait before the
meeting begins. A considerable amount of time may be spent in "small talk";
businesspeople in India use small talk as a way to assess a person's character and
to determine whether they want a professional relationship with that person. In
some cases, the entire initial meeting will be small talk, with no official business
discussed.

Topics of Discussion

During the time in a business meeting when participants are getting acquainted, it
is best to stick to topics that help them get to know one another better. For
instance, it is acceptable etiquette for a businessperson to inquire about another's
marital status, or to ask whether a colleague has children. Professionals may also
discuss their educational backgrounds, and whether they intend to undergo more
schooling. Proper etiquette suggests avoiding topics like religion or politics. It is also
not good etiquette to raise questions about the Indian caste system.

Business Cards

In India, business cards are usually exchanged at the beginning of a meeting, after
participants have greeted one another. The cards should always be given and
received with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Since English
and Hindi are the official languages of India, it is acceptable to present business
cards that are worded in English.

Negotiations

It is very important for international participants to maintain an agreeable attitude

during meetings, even if the Indian party shows emotion. Being patient during a
negotiation process is also very necessary, as professionals in India may take a long
time when making important decisions. It is also best not to use the word "no" when
negotiating, as this comes across as too harsh. The final decision in a negotiation is
usually made by the most senior person involved in the business deal.

Body Language

Unspoken communication is regarded highly in India, so international professionals

should pay special attention to the implications of certain physical actions. In India,
it is not appropriate to touch anyone on the head, as the head is believed to be the
seat of the soul. Standing with hands on hips can give the impression of anger or
aggressiveness, and should be avoided.

Meals

Indian professionals prefer a business lunch to dinner. As most Indians are Hindu or
Muslim, international hosts should keep in mind that Muslims do not eat pork and
Hindus do not eat beef. Do not offer these foods during a meal. At the end of a meal
that is provided by an Indian host, it is impolite to say "thank you." Thanking
someone is interpreted as a form of payment in India, and an insult to the host.
Business Etiquette in India

Westerners going to India to do business find out pretty soon that India is a culture
where it is absolutely impossible to just drop in to conduct business and then fly
away unaffected.

The pace of life, the vivacity of the teeming masses, the mêlée of sounds, the
richness of colors and smells, the tenacity of the unpredictable to surface like an
ubiquitous spook amidst all attempts on both sides to make business smooth and
manageable - all this is India. Trying to understand the astonishing diversity of this
ancient yet vibrant culture and yet finding rules for behaving in an effective manner
is a daunting challenge for anyone.

In India you would discover thriving matriarchal societies, a group of people utterly
convinced that they are one of the lost tribes of the Jews, signs of democratic forms
of governments 2000 years before the Athenians, aboriginals who shun `civilization'
and shoot poisoned arrows at anyone going near them etc. India is not a monolithic
culture but the kaleidoscopic variety also contains underlying streams of unity. One
mentor gives you a valuable piece of advice on business etiquette and then you
notice that people behave exactly the opposite in some contexts.

The first thing for Westerners to learn about business etiquette in India is:

**You need to be sensitive to the context at all times.

Focus of Business
One of the major blunders Western people make in India is to forget people and
concentrate on schedule, contracts, results, facts and issues.

Western Business = End Results

Indian Business = Process of Interaction, Relationships

The credibility and trustworthiness of a business partner are critical in securing

cooperation so these have to be built up over time.

Orientation to time

West: Time = Scarce commodity

India: Time = Expression of eternity

In India everything takes time. Indian business people like to be on time but in real
life things don't work like clockwork. Keep a lot of margin in your schedules for the
unexpected events. A Western person likes to concentrate on one thing at a time
while his Indian counterpart is poly chronic and attends to many things at the same
time. Be prepared for lots of interruptions all the time.

Personal space

Indians keep very small bubbles of personal space around them and there is so
much touchy cuddly walking hand in hand behavior all around. However:

Men don't touch women in public and vice versa.

Superiors pat subordinates on their shoulders and there is much collegial

backslapping. The handshake is practiced everywhere in cities. The traditional
Indian greeting is the "Namaste," which you do with hands pressed together, palms
touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest with a slight nod or bow
of the head. This has a spiritual basis in recognizing a common divine essence
within the other person.
Always be polite, although you need to be firm.

Never lose your temper, even when it is to your advantage to show anger.

Conversation

All meetings start with some small talk. Indians are very curious and like to
exchange views even with total strangers. Be prepared for Indians talking about
matters which would be considered an invasion of privacy in the west.

Learn to recognize the "NO" as Indians don't say NO directly, unless it is a crucial
issue.

Don't point out poverty, dirt, and social ills to Indians as they might interpret it as
condescending coming from a foreigner. Indians are proud of their rich history and
appreciate intelligent discussions with mutual respect, so avoid preaching about
democracy and women's rights etc.

Addressing others

Indian businesses are hierarchical. Titles such as Mr, Mrs or Professor are used
almost always unless the other person asks you to go on a first name basis.

Get used to people always calling you Mr this or Madam this or saying "yes, Sir" or
"yes, Madam" all the time.

Find out how you should address the other person - naming and addressing
practices vary across the country.

Giving Gifts

Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. If your Indian host insists on your
opening the gift, do so and show appreciation for his/her choice. If you are invited to
an Indian home for dinner, take some small gift, like a box of chocolates or flowers
or a gift for the children (if they have any). Wrap in red, yellow, green or blue
colored wrapping paper. White and black colors in wrappings are considered
inauspicious. A small gift from your culture or a framed photograph with the host or
colleagues would be valued as a gift. If your Indian host drinks and keeps alcoholic
drinks at home, a bottle would be an appreciated gift.

Meetings and Negotiations

Meetings and negotiations are spaced over time and there are many digressions.
Give background information such as who is involved, who else has implemented
such a proposal or who higher up has endorsed - Indians understand matters in
their overall context and such information is vital for them. Don't get nervous over
frequent interruptions, digressions or bargaining in negotiations. Keep buffers,
which you can cut in your offers as Indians interpret fixed offers as inflexible thus
unsuitable for their needs. Don't expect quick commitment as all decisions take
time and may involve people not present in meetings.

Business Dress

Business attire varies in different parts of India. Decency and decorum is the
guiding principle here. It is better to dress slightly more conservatively than too
casually. In India position in the hierarchy of business dictates formality of dress.
Use common sense in dressing

Visiting Cards

The visiting card ritual is not so formal as in China or Japan but you should always
carry decent and presentable cards with you. Cards in English are fine. You don't
need to print them in local languages.

Never use the left hand to give and receive cards.

Appointments

Appointments must be fixed well in advance. Always confirm beforehand to make

sure nothing has changed meanwhile. Traffic is always unpredictable so leave a lot
of margin.Be prepared to be kept waiting when visiting government officials.

Invitations

Foreigners visiting India might receive many social invitations. A direct refusal to an
invitation (e.g., "Sorry, I can't come.") would be seen as impolite or arrogant.

Use "I'll try" or "I will confirm with you later," etc. when declining social invitations.

When refreshments/ snacks or beverages are served, it is customary, though not

compulsory, to refuse the first offer, but to accept the second or third. Accept what
is offered to you even if you don't want to eat or drink everything. Leave some on
the plate or all of it untouched. If you eat all, it is a sign you want more.

What people consider taboo in food or drinks varies greatly among people in India:

Generally Muslims don't eat pork and Hindus shun beef.

Chicken, mutton or fish suit most people.

All vegetable menus are safer choices for everyone.

Be very sensitive to customs and preferences when hosting invitations.

Never use your left hand for eating, serving, or taking food or in fact handing over
or accepting things. The left hand is considered the toilet hand and thus taboo.

Business Etiquette
As India's largest, most multicultural city, Mumbai is a fairly liberal place and its business culture tends to
be informal and friendly—Mumbaikars are famous for their chalta hain (laid-back) attitude. However,
traditions still hold in many areas of behaviour, and it's wise to be prepared.
• Do not expect western levels of speed and efficiency. Getting a document delivered by courier,
sending a fax, or simply gathering colleagues for a business meeting can all take far longer than
seems reasonable. The same goes for punctuality: if someone promises to meet you in ten
minutes, expect arrival in 20.
• Mumbai's traffic is notoriously bad: allow ample time if you need to cross the city to get to a
meeting. When choosing your hotel, bear in mind where most of your meetings will take place.
• A handshake is the most common form of greeting, but some women prefer to press their palms
together in a traditional namaste greeting. A man should wait for a woman to extend her hand
before extending his, particularly if she is wearing traditional Indian clothing.
 • Bring plenty of business cards; you will be handing them out frequently, and not having enough is
considered rude.
• Mumbaikar professionals tend to speak good English, though often with a heavy accent,
imaginative grammar and liberal doses of local slang. Asking someone to repeat himself is
perfectly acceptable; correcting his English is not.
• Indians often over-promise in an effort to please: admitting a job is difficult to get done is often
considered rude or weak.
• Job descriptions in India tend to be strictly defined, in line with the principle that a person's place
in society is based on what they do. This can extend to routine office tasks that westerners are
used to performing themselves. Be careful not to step on toes.
• Men tend to wear business suits to meetings and lunches, but often remove their jackets for
dinner and at the office. Some companies maintain “casual Fridays”.
• Breakfast meetings are rare; the working day tends to begin around 9.30-10am. Business
lunches tend to be leisurely affairs: 90 minutes is not uncommon.
• Many Indians are vegetarian for religious reasons. Meat-eating Hindus will consume chicken and
goat, but not beef or pork. Muslims will eat no pork; more observant Muslims will only eat halal
(ritually slaughtered) meat. If you have invited someone to dinner, enquire about his eating habits
before ordering steak or spare ribs.
• Alcohol is usually avoided at lunch, less so at dinner. Indian women are not always comfortable
drinking in public or being in the company of those who do.
• Favourite topics of conversation are politics, family, sport and food. Commenting on Mumbai's
poverty, slums or beggars should be avoided.
• Although the city's official name is now “Mumbai” (and politicians will favour the official term),
many people still use “Bombay” in conversation. Go with the flow.
• Particularly when money and data are being discussed, some Indian terminology is commonly
used, such as lakh (one lakh = 100,000) and crore (one crore = 10m).
• Very little business gets done in Mumbai when a big cricket match is on. Visitors would do well to
catch up on cricket news, especially the latest exploits of Sachin Tendulkar, a local hero in
Mumbai (he also owns Tendulkar's, a well-regarded restaurant).
• The city's most important festival is Diwali (Festival of Lights) in November, when business
associates exchange small gifts and boxes of sweets or dried fruits. It is considered especially
auspicious to start a new business or seal a deal at this time.

Youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4dmfmerw0c
Indian Society & Culture
Hierarchy
. The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have created a
culture that emphasizes established hierarchical relationships.
. Indians are always conscious of social order and their status relative to other
people, be they family, friends, or strangers.
. All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are
viewed as the source of all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is
considered the leader of the family. The boss is seen as the source of ultimate
responsibility in business. Every relationship has a clear- cut hierarchy that must be
observed for the social order to be maintained.
The Role of the Family
. People typically define themselves by the groups to which they belong rather than
by their status as individuals. Someone is deemed to be affiliated to a specific state,
region, city, family, career path, religion, etc.
. This group orientation stems from the close personal ties Indians maintain with
their family, including the extended family.
. The extended family creates a myriad of interrelationships, rules, and structures.
Along with these mutual obligations comes a deep-rooted trust among relatives.
Just Can't Say No
. Indians do not like to express 'no,' be it verbally or non- verbally.
. Rather than disappoint you, for example, by saying something isn't available,
Indians will offer you the response that they think you want to hear.
. This behaviour should not be considered dishonest. An Indian would be considered
terribly rude if he did not attempt to give a person what had been asked.
. Since they do not like to give negative answers, Indians may give an affirmative
answer but be deliberately vague about any specific details. This will require you to
look for non-verbal cues, such as a reluctance to commit to an actual time for a
meeting or an enthusiastic response.

Etiquette and Customs in India

Meeting Etiquette
. Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India.
. This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
. When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually.
. Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated
who are accustomed to dealing with westerners.
. Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other
women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because
of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.
Naming Conventions
Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the country. The
following are some basic guidelines to understanding the naming conventions:
Hindus:
. In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname.
. In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses the initial of
their father's name in front of their own name.
. The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name.
Women use "d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father.
. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their
husband's first name as a sort of surname.
Muslims:
. Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their
own name with the connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the son of
Ahmad.
. Women use the connector 'binti'.
. The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made
their pilgrimage to Mecca.
Sikhs:
. Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as a connector
name to the surname.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life.
. Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate
life events such as birth, death and marriage.
. It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is
important to the recipient.
. If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift,
although one will not be turned down.
. Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.
. Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
. A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister
or some other female relative.
. Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather.
. Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
. Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public
venues, depending upon the occasion and circumstances.
. Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to
arrive close to the appointed time.
. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
. Dress modestly and conservatively.
. Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again
and again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol.
There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that
are served:
. Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians.
. Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
. Sikhs do not eat beef.
. Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-
vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups.

Table manners are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the
religious beliefs of the various groups.
. Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork.
. Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first,
followed by the men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the
men and eat later.
. You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal.
. Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers.
. In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations
you may be allowed to serve yourself from a communal bowl.
. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied.
Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in India

Relationships & Communication
. Indians prefer to do business with those they know.
. Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.
. In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to
doing business.
. It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This gives you
immediate credibility.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. If you will be travelling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments
by letter, at least one month and preferably two months in advance.
. It is a good idea to confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short
notice.
. The best time for a meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Reconfirm your
meeting the week before and call again that morning, since it is common for
meetings to be cancelled at the last minute.
. Keep your schedule flexible so that it can be adjusted for last minute rescheduling
of meetings.
. You should arrive at meetings on time since Indians are impressed with
punctuality.
. Meetings will start with a great deal of getting-to- know-you talk. In fact, it is
quite possible that no business will be discussed at the first meeting.
. Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and
other data as well. This allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the
material prior to the meeting.
. Follow up a meeting with an overview of what was discussed and the next steps.
Business Negotiating
. Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although
this is beginning to change in the managerial ranks.
. Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.
. Decision making is a slow process.
. If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and
trust.
. Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government.
. Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to
expect concessions in return for those you grant.
. Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not trust
the legal system and someone's word is sufficient to reach an agreement.
. Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team.
. Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.
Dress Etiquette
. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
. Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.
. The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the country, dress is
less formal, although dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate
respect.
Titles
. Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer.
. Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession.
. If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or
"Madam".
. Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the
person's name. (See Social Etiquette for more information on Indian naming
conventions.)
. Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
. If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.
. Use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
. Business cards need not be translated into Hindi.
. Always present your business card so the recipient may read the card as it is
handed to them.
Dress Etiquette
Indian dress etiquette for women: your attire will often signal your
status, and casual dress will make it more difficult for you to elicit
respect. Loose, cool clothing that covers up as much as possible.
Exposed flesh suggests that you're too poor to dress properly, or that
you're shameless about flaunting your body.
Tight clothes are also considered shameless in Indian etiquette and
culture; the more you can disguise your shape, the better.
Women visiting public beaches should be as discreet as possible and
avoid sunbathing on empty beaches. In mosques you need to make
sure your shoulders are covered -- it's worth purchasing a scarf for
this and keeping it in your bag at all times -- and in Sikh gurudwaras
you need to keep your head covered. To avoid offending people who
are of a totally different culture to yours it is wise to do a quick study
of Eastern and Asian culture if you are visiting or doing business in
their country. In this case, a brief study of Indian etiquette will
certainly save you a lot of time and embarrassment. It is wise to be
informed and prepared. Men should avoid shorts, which are considered
quite bizarre in Indian etiquette and culture.
In certain Hindu temples - particularly in South India a man may be
required to wear a lungi (a long piece of cloth worn like a kilt) and
remove his shirt. Always check what is appropriate in Indian etiquette,
check what others are wearing before venturing in, and approach
slowly so that someone can intervene before you offend the sanctity of
the holy sanctuary.
Shoes are never worn in places of worship - you are even required to
remove your shoes when entering certain churches.
Some museums and historical monuments may also require you to
remove your shoes, and you should extend a similar courtesy when
entering someone's home - this is a normal way of life in Indian
etiquette.
In Sikh gurudwaras you are expected to wash your feet after removing
your shoes.
Normal business dress for men is a suit and tie. However, since India
has a warm climate, often just a full-sleeved shirt with a tie is also
acceptable. It is also important to select neutral colors, which are
subdued and not very bright.
In most companies, particularly in the IT sector, however, the dress
code is much more casual. It is not unusual to find people wearing T-
shirts and jeans with sneakers.
However, as a visitor, conservative, though not formal, dress is
advisable.
For foreign women, pant-suits or long skirts, which cover the knees,
are more acceptable to wear. The neckline of the blouse or the top
should be high.
For women, a salwar-suit is also acceptable for business dress. Jeans
with a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt are acceptable as casual wear in
informal situations for both men and women.
You can wear casual dress if invited to a social gathering. However, if
a foreigner wears an Indian costume [kurta-pajama for men, and sari
or salwar-suit for women], this kind of dress is also appreciated, and
often seen as a gesture of friendship.
It is good manners and etiquette, to observe the hierarchy in business
and social situations. It can also prove to be time-saving! As a sign of
respect, the subordinates will stand up when the boss enters the
meeting room. Your best option is to follow suit and greet the boss
personally. Generally there is a great respect for age, loyalty to one’s
family, community or group. The practice of certain religious rituals
are still observed in some Indian work places.
In a business meeting it is considered rude and poor etiquette to just
jump in with work related conversation. Meetings usually start with
small talk about non-work related topics. Personal questions about
your family, children, trip etc., are not considered rude and prying, it
is just part of the friendly, Indian social etiquette.
Hospitality is a key value in Indian etiquette and the guest is always
considered first. The host normally goes out of his or her way to
accommodate the requirements of the guests. Any breach of etiquette
by the guest is normally ignored and never brought to his or her
attention.
Even though Indian etiquette is somewhat formal in a lot of areas, the
social etiquette can be quite casual. When they say ‘drop in any time,’
they mean just that. Don’t be surprised if they just pop in to visit
without letting you know first.
Try to remember that Indian people are very sensitive to refusals of
their hospitality; it will be good manners and etiquette to let them
down gently with a promise to accept any future invitation.

Acceptable Unacceptable

Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is

Clothing should be ironed and never wrinkled
unacceptable

Punjabi dresses and saris, preferably cotton. Short, tight skirts, jeans with fancy
Anything that avoids clinging tops, miniskirts etc.

Plain or simple designs on the dress. Not

Different designs, symbols, embroidery
having flashy material – too much shiny
or heavy work
colors. More subdued, even for dark colors

Different hair styles, loose hair are not

Normal hair plants are allowed
allowed

Excessive make-up, flowers, heavy

Normal make up. Should convey elegance
jewelry, long dangling earrings, jingling
and respectability
bracelets, or statement necklaces

Mangalasutram, foot rings, are acceptable Couple of Sindhoors. Anklets