India🕣
State in the southern part of the Asian subcontinent. Official name – the Republic of India. Population – 1.4 billion (as of 2020). Capital – New Delhi. Official language is Hindi. Type of state structure – a sovereign, democratic, federal state with a parliamentary form of government. Main religion – Hinduism.
India
Greeting
The traditional greeting ritual in India is Namaste, during which it is customary to put your palms together at chest level and slightly bow to the person you are greeting.
In business practice, a handshake is common, and it should not be too firm.
Your Indian partner will appreciate it if you follow the Namaste ritual in response.
Men typically shake hands with men, and women with women. Handshakes between men and women are very rare due to religious differences.
If several people accompany your Indian partner, first greet the oldest or highest-ranking person.
During communication, men may pat each other on the back as a sign of friendly disposition.
Wait for your partner to suggest addressing them by name without any title.
Introduction
Names and surnames in India are closely linked to religious, social, and regional traditions.
Your Indian partner may have a difficult-to-pronounce name, such as Chandrasekaran. Practice pronouncing the name before the meeting. Otherwise, you risk offending your partner, especially since some names are also names of Indian deities.
Status holds great significance in India, deter...
Exchange of Business Cards
The exchange of business cards usually occurs after greeting.
Titles and ranks (if any) should be indicated on the business card.
Any materials (including the business card) should be handed to your partner with your right hand; when receiving materials, also use your right hand.
It is not necessary to translate the text on the business card into Hindi; providing the inf...
Small Talk: Overview
In India, people love to communicate. Regular contact with partners by phone or email is the norm. Rare, albeit detailed, letters will not create the foundation of relationships valued in India.
Despite the availability of other modern means of communication, direct contact is valued the most.
Small talk is an important part of the negotiation process, as Indian partners want to...
Preferred Topics
India is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Indians are tolerant towards representatives of other cultures, including foreigners, and generally accept and respond to topics raised by them in conversation.
Business and related topics are often discussed in small talk situations.
Family is an important aspect of life for Indians, and this topic is often brought up in conv...
Taboo Topics
Politics is a complex topic for discussion. Particularly sensitive are the conflicts between India and Pakistan (Jammu and Kashmir states issue) and the border conflict with China.
The caste system in India is unlikely to serve as a good conversation topic. This system is heavily criticized in society, but it has not yet been completely eradicated.
A particularly sensitive aspec...
Personal Space
The distance for comfortable communication is the length of an outstretched arm.
During a conversation, speakers actively use body language and gestures, especially if they are discussing a topic that is important to them....
Communication Specifics
India is a country with great national, cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity. It is important to familiarize yourself in advance with the characteristics of the region you are visiting.
When people shake their heads from side to side (tilting it alternately right and left, not turning), it is often interpreted by representatives of other cultures as "no." In fact, this movement...
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