El encuentro y saludo

Meeting and Greeting

Westerners may shake hands, however, greeting with 'namaste' (na-mas-TAY) (placing both hands together with a slight bow) is appreciated and shows respect for Indian customs.

Men shake hands with men when meeting or leaving. Men do not touch women when meeting or greeting. Western women may offer their hand to a westernized Indian man, but not normally to others. Traditional Indian women may shake hands with foreign women but not usually with men.

Body Language

Public displays of affection are not proper.

Indians generally allow an arm's length space between themselves and others. Don't stand close to Indians. Indians value personal space.

Use your right hand only to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise. The left hand is considered unclean.

Do not touch anyone's head. The head is considered sensitive.

Feet are considered unclean. Feet are sacred for holy men and women. Pointing footwear at people is considered an insult.

Indians are very sensitive to being beckoned rudely.

Never point with a single finger or two fingers (used only with inferiors). Point with your chin, whole hand or thumb. The chin is not used to point at superiors

Corporate Culture

Business cards are exchanged and Indians are very conscious of the protocol. Always present business cards when introduced. English is appropriate for business cards.

Decisions are strongly influenced from the top. Usually one person makes all major decisions. Attempt to deal with the highest-level person available.

It is considered rude to plunge into business discussions immediately. Ask about your counterpart’s family, interests, hobbies, etc. before beginning business discussions.

Dining and Entertainment (( en esta parte quitale xq es mucho))

Initial business entertainment is done in restaurants in prestigious hotels. Business can be discussed during meals. Allow your host to initiate business conversation.

Never flatly refuse an invitation to a home or dinner of a business counterpart; if you can’t make it, offer a plausible excuse.

Spouses are often included in social/business functions.

Strict orthodox Muslims don't drink any alcohol. Most Hindus, especially women, do not consume alcohol.

Arrive 15-30 minutes later than the stated time for a dinner party.

At a social gathering a garland of flowers is often placed around a guest's

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