India’s business environment continues to blend long‑standing cultural norms with rapidly modernizing corporate practices. While relationship‑based business remains central, several additional differences distinguish the Indian workplace from its European and North American counterparts.

Hierarchy, Status, and Forms of Address

Indian business culture maintains a strong emphasis on hierarchy and authority, and deference to senior colleagues is still expected.⁴ Titles remain important—professionals are typically addressed formally (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., Professor), with Ms. increasingly preferred as women move away from marriage‑defined titles.⁴

Deference is shown through respectful greetings, avoiding contradiction in public settings, and allowing senior leaders to initiate discussions. Decision‑making continues to be concentrated at senior levels, though modern industries (IT, startups, consulting) are gradually adopting flatter structures.⁷

Communication Style: Indirect, Context‑Driven, and High‑Context

Indian communication norms remain indirect and context‑dependent, especially when declining a request or addressing sensitive topics.⁵ Instead of saying no, Indian colleagues may say “I will try”, “Let me check”, or “It may be difficult”, all of which may signal disapproval or refusal.⁵

Expat professionals should therefore:

• Listen for non‑verbal cues, tone, and pauses
• Ask open‑ended clarifying questions
• Avoid blunt confrontation
• Expect relationship‑building as a precursor to clear communication⁵

Digital communication is widely used, but face‑to‑face conversations and phone calls are still preferred for sensitive matters.⁵

Greetings and Handshake Etiquette

Handshakes are widely accepted in 2025, though practices remain sensitive to gender norms.⁴⁶ Western women may shake hands normally, but Indian men may wait for the woman to initiate. For women greeting women, handshakes are common in corporate settings. For male–female interactions, a polite head nod is always an acceptable alternative.⁴

The left hand should never be used when handing items or touching others, as it carries ritual uncleanliness in Indian tradition.⁶

Safety and Conduct Expectations for Women

Safety concerns in public spaces—particularly the phenomenon colloquially known as “Eve‑teasing”—continue to shape how women navigate public environments. While corporate India has strengthened workplace protections through POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) regulations, social norms remain conservative in certain regions.

Expat women are generally advised to dress professionally yet modestly—trouser suits are most common, and knee‑length skirts are acceptable in major metros.⁴⁶

Business Cards and Professional Identity

Business cards are still expected in early meetings and should be offered with the right hand, text facing the recipient.⁶ Professional degrees, affiliations, and certifications are commonly displayed, reflecting India’s respect for education and formal qualification.⁶

Meeting Etiquette (Scheduling, Structure, Expectations)

Meetings in India often require advance scheduling, typically 1–2 months ahead for senior leaders, and should be reconfirmed at least twice—once a week prior and again on the morning of the meeting.⁶

Key norms:

• First meetings often focus on establishing rapport rather than conducting business.⁶⁸
• Provide a detailed agenda and documentation in advance.
• The meeting host is expected to provide a written summary and agreed‑upon action points afterward.⁶

Relationship‑building small talk—including questions about family and personal well-being—is part of professional etiquette and helps establish trust.⁶⁸

Negotiation Style

Indians are known to be patient, relationship‑oriented negotiators who expect time for deliberation.⁵⁶

Guidelines for expats:

• Avoid aggressive or confrontational tactics—these damage rapport.⁵
• Expect negotiations to include quid‑pro‑quo concessions.
• Decision-making is typically slow and hierarchical; senior leaders make the final call.⁴⁶
• Meals often mark the end of a successful negotiation.⁶

Hospitality Norms During Meetings

Hospitality is an essential part of Indian culture. If food or drink is offered in a meeting, refusing may cause offence.⁶ Expats hosting Indian guests should assume vegetarian, non‑smoking, and alcohol‑free preferences unless otherwise confirmed.⁶

Non‑Verbal Communication Norms

Key non‑verbal differences remain stable and relevant in 2025:

• Prolonged eye contact may be considered disrespectful or aggressive.⁵
• Pointing with fingers is impolite; use the whole hand, thumb, or chin (but never chin-pointing toward superiors).⁶
• Clicking/snapping fingers is rude.
• Same‑sex platonic touching is normal; opposite‑sex PDA is frowned upon.⁶
• Maintain at least one arm’s length of personal space.⁶
• The Indian head wobble often signals listening or agreement not disagreement.⁶
• A Western-style wave may mean **“no” or “go away.”**⁶
• Touching or tugging the ears signifies sincerity due to cultural symbolism.⁶

Socializing With Colleagues

Social gatherings are a common extension of business relationships. Key norms include:

• Removing shoes when entering a home is typical.⁶
• Gifts are acceptable but should avoid white flowers (funereal); choose items wrapped in red, green, or yellow for good luck.⁶
• Hosts will repeatedly offer tea or coffee; polite refusal once before acceptance is customary.⁶
• Guests wait to be shown their seat; dining is hierarchical.⁶
• Use only the right hand when eating; wash hands before and after meals.⁶
• Leaving a small amount of food on the plate signals satisfaction.⁶

1. Rivermate. “Cultural Considerations in India.” November 28, 2025. https://rivermate.com/guides/india/cultural-considerations. Accessed January 15, 2026.
2. India Today. “India Faces Skilled Worker Shortage.” September 28, 2024. https://www.indiatoday.in. Accessed January 15, 2026.
3. Commisceo Global. “The Essential Guide to Indian Business Etiquette.” https://commisceo-global.com/articles/the-essential-guide-to-indian-business-etiquette/. Accessed January 15, 2026.
4. Executive Planet. “Business Etiquette in India: Essential Tips for Success.” August 16, 2024. https://executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette-in-india/. Accessed January 15, 2026.
5. Rivermate. “Communication Styles in the Indian Workplace.” https://rivermate.com/guides/india/cultural-considerations. Accessed January 15, 2026.
6. Globig. “A Quick Guide to Business Etiquette in India.” https://globig.co/blog/a-quick-guide-to-business-etiquette-in-india/. Accessed January 15, 2026.
7. Wisemonk. “Work Culture in India: What Global Employers Need to Know.” January 7, 2026. https://www.wisemonk.io/blogs/work-culture-in-india. Accessed January 15, 2026.
8. Global Indian Network. “Indian Business Culture.” May 16, 2024. https://globalindiannetwork.com/indian-business-culture/. Accessed January 15, 2026.