Britons can now get lessons about Indian etiquette

British business executives can now undergo Indian etiquette lessons before flying out to India.

British business executives can now undergo Indian etiquette lessons before flying out to India — thanks to the United Kingdom-India Business Council, which is launching a series of ‘culture courses’.

With a growing trend of British companies seeking to establish a presence in India, the courses will offer valuable tips on how to bow graciously, smile politely and refrain from kissing women, The Guardian reported.

In fact, the lessons follow reports of business deals collapsing due to overly tactile sales people, patronising chief executives and British delegates offending their Indian counterparts by standing with their hands on their hips and calling Indian managers by their first names.

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“The US and Japan are already well established in India but there’s a feeling that if Britain does not get properly involved soon they will be missing the boat. Business in India is all about trust.”

“If you make a wrong move culturally you can throw away your chances,” UKIBC’s Chief Executive Sharon Bamford was quoted as saying.

According to the UKIBC, which is headquartered in London and is soon to set up offices in Mumbai and Delhi, there are 32,000 Britons in India and the number is growing steadily.

The organisation has drawn up a list of dos and don’ts, which include meeting potential business partners with a smile and the respectful greeting ‘namaste’, making small talks and bowing slightly with palms together.

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In its course, the UKIBC will also advise executives against shaking hands with women unless offered, and not to kiss them in greeting or goodbye. The classes will also alert entrepreneurs to the fact that Indians “are not always punctual — so be patient and flexible”.