How Much Do You Know Business Etiquette in India

It is vitally important therefore that etiquette in business dealings in India are closely observed before embarking on investment in that part of the world.India has expanding and interesting business opportunities and the three main business areas are Mumbai, Calcutta and Delhi. Business in Calcutta is often conducted at a slow pace and the perceived etiquette tends to be rather old fashioned. The Indian people in Calcutta like to take their time, to converse moving from business to politics or culture.

The people in this part of India have an old-style clubhouse mentality and a very conservative etiquette which must be observed, therefore, patience is required.Mumbai is the centre of financial business and this is a part of India more frenetic, aggressive business practice akin to that of their western counterparts the only business etiquette being one of the 'faster the better'.Delhi lies in northwest India and is the political heart of India. This is where the foreign diplomats integrate with the Indian politicians. This is the part of India where affluence is worn as a badge; nice clothes, nice car, good restaurants good business.

The etiquette in India is very much influenced by the various religious practices of the Indian people and it is essential the check this out before setting off to undertake business in any part of India. The main religions followed in India are Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhism. The Sikh community in India is mainly found in Delhi. The Sikh people of India tend to be aggressive business partners, whereas the Muslim people of India tend to be more genteel in their business dealings. It is crucial to observe before visiting India to undertake business the religious calendar involving festivals, fasting as during Ramadan for instance and, importantly, it is not etiquette to criticise or enter into discussion anything pertaining to particular religions.