Cultural Awareness Guide: India

Download the Cultural Awareness Guide: India [PDF, 2.3mb]

This guide provides advice on adopting and responding to Indian business practices. It identifies cultural differences to be aware of when meeting with and negotiating with your Indian counterparts and provides useful tips for positive commercial interactions in a market with limitless potential.

India’s distinct culture has developed over a few millennia and over the last two to three centuries was influenced by both Portuguese and British colonisation. Overall, you will likely find many Indian business practices familiar. Being aware of cultural nuances and how to respect and respond to them are important parts of doing business in India.

Always remember that India is a vast and diverse country, home to varying cultures, beliefs and practices in different regions. In major urban areas and amongst better- educated people, English is commonly and fluently spoken. However, you may encounter many smaller towns and regions where only the local dialect, not Hindi or English, is spoken. 

Produced by Asialink Business in partnership with Westpac.