Unlock document.
This document is partially blurred.
Unlock all pages and 1 million more documents.
Get Access
With a population of 1.3 billion people and growing, India represents 15% of the world’s
population. It is also the second largest population on Earth, just behind China. Their
culture, business etiquette, and policies are different compared to America. India is also the
world’s most populous democracy. Similar to America, talking politics is a great way to
lose a business connection. You have to understand how Indian business is handled
because you can ruin connections before even conducting business. Americans have to
understand some cultural differences that are important. Americans have to understand that
Indians want to build trust and get to know people they are doing business with. Having
patience is a key in any setting, especially because things can be changed last minute. In
India, it is common that meetings change and are interrupted. It is important to know that
negotiations are long and drawn out. Different cultures see different things as respectful,
no one is intentionally trying to be rude. Most meetings involve a relaxed dress code, like
sandals and jeans. Sometimes, traditional Indian costume such as a kurta pajama for men
or a sari for women can also be worn.
India sees this as a gesture of friendship. Friendship is important so make sure your
“friends” feel comfortable when getting food. Most people in India are Hindu so, when
setting meetings, people have to make sure it does not fall on holidays. Religion also
effects the food most Indians eat. This is especially important if you meet in America. At a
restaurant, you want to make sure it caters to your clients. In a meeting, you should
consider what is done before, after and during; even introducing yourself the wrong way
can ruin a relationship. Indians use the Namaste as a greeting, where the palms are
brought together at chest level with a slight bow of the head. Using the Namaste cannot
make or break relationships but, it can show respect for Indian etiquette. “No” is not
something usually said, Indians supplement the word with “I will try”, and “we’ll see”. We
will explain in more detail about what you need to know to be successful while doing
business in India. After you have heard this factual information, you will be ready to
conduct business and business related activities that are important in building a strong
business relationship.
Background/History
India extending from the South of the Himalayas, to the North of the Indian Ocean
