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Business Etiquettes of India
Introduction
India is officially called Republic of India (Hindi Bharat), is located in southern Asia and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. India consists geographically of the entire Indian Peninsula and portions of the Asian mainland. To its north lies Afghanistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan; to its east is Bangladesh, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and the Bay of Bengal; Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar (which separate it from Sri Lanka) and the Indian Ocean are to the south; and on the west is the Arabian Sea and Pakistan.
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Fun Fact
The current leadership of India is implementing sweeping changes to encourage international business in India, from privatization to the liberalization of
trade.
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Appearance
- Men are generally expected to wear a suit and tie for business, although the jacket may be removed in the summer. Women should wear conservative dresses or pantsuits.
- When dressing casual, short-sleeved shirts and long pants are preferred for men; shorts are acceptable only when exercising. Women must keep their upper arms, chest, back, and legs covered at all times.
- Women should wear long pants when exercising.
- The use of leather products including belts or handbags may be considered offensive, especially in temples. Hindus revere cows and do not use leather products.
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Behavior
- The head is considered the seat of the soul. Never touch someone else's head, not even to pat the hair of a child.
- Beckoning someone with the palm up and wagging one finger can be construed as in insult. Standing with your hands on your hips will be interpreted as an angry, aggressive posture.
- Whistling is impolite and winking may be interpreted as either an insult or a sexual proposition.
- Never point your feet at a person. Feet are considered unclean. If your shoes or feet touch another person, apologize.
- Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. If you receive a wrapped gift, set it aside until the giver leaves.
- Business lunches are preferred to dinners. Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork.
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Communications
- There are more than fourteen major and three hundred minor languages spoken in India. The official languages are English and Hindi. English is widely used in business, politics and education.
- The word "no" has harsh implications in India. Evasive refusals are more common, and are considered more polite. Never directly refuse an invitation, a vague "I'll try" is an acceptable refusal.
- Do not thank your hosts at the end of a meal. "Thank you" is considered a form of payment and therefore insulting.
- Titles are very important. Always use professional titles.
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