Doing Business in India For Dummies®

Don’t Be Surprised If Indians . . .

✓	Offer a limp or weak handshake. They’re unused to shaking hands and it is a sign of respect to shake mildly.
✓	Always say “yes.” “No” is a sign of deep disrespect, so Indians often prefer to please and give the answer “yes,” hoping to accommodate what has been asked.
✓	Don’t make eye contact. Indians are taught as a sign of respect to avert their eyes when talking to an older or superior person.
✓	Move the head side to side, as if in disagreement, while listening to you. This is a sign of extreme respect and showing involvement in the conversation and is a respectful acknowledgment of following you completely.
✓	Nod the head to say “yes” when you’re expecting a negative response. This gesture really means “okay” and is again a sign of “I understand what you’re saying.”