🇮🇳 India Meeting Culture
Indian business meetings are hierarchical and relationship-driven, blending tradition with modern business practices and emphasizing respect for seniority.
- Schedule meetings well in advance and confirm them a day before; flexibility is expected.
- Research participants' titles and positions; hierarchy is important in addressing colleagues.
- Prepare detailed presentations with supporting data; Indians appreciate thorough preparation.
- Arrive on time, though meetings may start late; patience is essential.
- Greet with a handshake or the traditional "Namaste" with hands pressed together and a slight bow.
- Business cards are exchanged with the right hand or both hands; treat them respectfully.
- Begin with polite conversation about family, cricket, or current events before business.
- The most senior person often leads discussions; defer to hierarchy when speaking.
- Avoid saying "no" directly; Indians may use indirect language to decline or disagree.
- Decisions may require multiple meetings and consultations with senior management.
- Be prepared for interruptions; multi-tasking during meetings is common.
- Send a detailed follow-up email summarizing discussions and agreed-upon action items.
- Maintain regular contact and nurture the relationship; business is built on trust.