Mumbai (Bombay) Economy

The principal advantage for the visiting foreign businessperson is that English is the lingua franca. This is despite, or perhaps because of, the large number of languages that are spoken in India - there are 18 official ones and some 1,600 minor ones. 

The Indian Hindu greeting, namaste, is to put both hands together as if in prayer and tilt the head forward. Indian women may prefer not to shake hands, although men will be quite comfortable with it. Unless invited to address a person by their first name, use Mr/Mrs/Dr and the surname. Business cards are an important part of business life in India and many are printed in two languages. A suit is considered the proper form of business dress in India. Business hours are generally 0930/1000 to 1700/1730.

Corporate entertaining plays a central part of Indian business life; however it is important to understand cultural etiquette. Foreign visitors should remember that Indians only eat with the right hand, although the left may be used to hold a plate or utensil. The left hand is used for less savoury actions such as removing shoes. Gifts and business cards should be accepted with the right hand or both hands at the same time, as a sign of respect. 

An invitation to an Indian home for dinner will be for 2030 to 2130, although many of the guests will not arrive until much later and dinner may not be served until after 2300. However, once dinner is over, the party is at an end and the guest may depart without giving offence. Drinking, especially at lunchtime, should be avoided until visitors are certain of the host's opinion on the subject. Shoes should be removed when entering a private home and care should be taken when sitting to ensure that one's feet are never pointed at anyone. It is customary to wash one's hands before and after a meal.