Country guide
India Business etiquette and meeting customs
Asia/Kolkata
What kind of meeting?
Moderate punctuality
A few minutes late is tolerated, but let people know if you'll be later.
Meeting Culture
Recommended duration45-60 min
Communication StyleHierarchical, indirect
Greeting StyleNamaste or handshake
Daily Schedule
Work Hours09:30 – 18:30
Breakfast08:00 – 09:00
Lunch13:00 – 14:00
Dinner20:00 – 21:30
Sleep23:00 – 07:19
Tips for Meetings
For the kind of meeting you chose above.
Dress Code
Business formal
Tone
Hierarchical, respectful
- ·Address seniors with Sir/Madam or appropriate titles
- ·Decisions often require approval from senior leadership
- ·Chai (tea) is served in meetings — always accept
General Tips
- ·Address elders and superiors with respect
- ·Avoid scheduling during major festivals (Diwali, Holi)
- ·Head wobble can mean agreement or acknowledgment
- ·Building personal rapport is essential before business
Cultural Notes
- ·IST is UTC+5:30 (half-hour offset)
- ·Flexible meeting culture
- ·Major festivals affect availability
Meeting someone from India?
Find the best timeCultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.
See something inaccurate? Let us know