Moving to India – Business Dinner Etiquette

When you are moving to India with IntlMOVE India for a new job, make sure you are aware of the differences in business etiquette. Small things that seem normal to you are completely faux pas in India. Arming yourself with simple etiquette knowledge will help you make a fantastic first impression.

Right and Left Hand

In India, the left hand is considered unclean. This is the hand you use for sanitary purposes.

It’s important to use your right hand to shake hands, present a business card or present a gift.

Attire

Business suits used to be the norm, but the warm climate in India has made the dress code for work more relaxed. Men can wear trousers and a button up shirt. Women can wear pants, a skirt that covers the knees and a high-cut top. Tops that are too low-cut are not appropriate.

Greetings

Meetings in India are very formal. When meeting someone for the first time, address them by their last name along with any titles or higher academic titles. Men will shake hands. Women may offer their hand to Westernized Indian men. Traditional Indian women typically will not touch or shake hands with men. Always offer a business card with your right hand when introduced.

You may notice people in India greet each other with slight bow, which is a sign of respect for an elder or someone with a higher rank.

When invited to a dinner party at someone’s home, arrive with gifts for the hosts and possibly even their children. Give gifts with both hands and be aware that they will typically not open the gift in front of you.

Relationships

In India, people want to know who they are dealing with in personal and business affairs. Building a relationship will take time, but if you want a long-term loyal business partner, it’s worth your patience to put in ample effort and time.

Although the Caste system is not as prevalent as it once was, it still plays a role in society.

Table Manners

Although you will typically be given utensils, there may come a time where you are expected to eat with your hands. If everyone else is using their hands, do not ask for utensils. Always use your right hand to eat. As mentioned earlier, the left hand is considered unclean. Other people at the table will be quite offended if you use your left hand to eat or serve yourself food. If there are communal dishes, always use a spoon to serve yourself food. Never offer anybody food directly from your plate, even if you have not touched it.

At restaurants, the host pays for the meal.

If you are eating at someone’s home, wait to be served and do not serve yourself. Do not refuse any food, but don’t feel inclined to eat everything on your plate. In Indian culture, a guest’s plate should never be empty.

Other Meal Etiquette Tips

Do not order alcohol until your business associate orders alcohol. Muslims and most Hindus do not drink alcohol.

If you are invited to someone’s home for dinner, do not show up right on time. However, do not show up more than 15 or 20 minutes late.

Business can be discussed at lunch or dinner, but wait for your Indian counterpart to initiate the business talk.

Tipping is expected. A nice tip is typically between 10 and 15 percent.

When invited out, you should invite your hosts out for a dinner of comparable value.

Never refuse an invitation to one’s home or a dinner. If you are unable to make it, politely decline and explain why you are unable to attend.

Other Business Etiquette Tips

Bargaining is all part of the process in India. Expect long business meetings and don’t expect to land the business the first time you meet with a new company.

Don’t stand with your hands on your hips, point with your feet or touch someone with your foot, which is considered rude. It is extremely offensive to show someone the sole of your foot, so never put your feet up in meetings or in the office. If your foot does touch someone by accident, apologize immediately.

When you have decided to start planning your move to India, contact IntlMOVE India for your international shipping needs.