How to Prepare for a Business Trip to India

India is usually famous for Taj Mahal, Bollywood and splendid tea. Nowadays this country obtained the status of a worldwide business center. Companies from various spheres annually take leadership on the market and attract partners from all sectors of economics. 

It’s not a secret that doing business in India differs from the same experience in Europe and the USA. You’ll face it while ordering business tourism services and communicating with local entrepreneurs. Take into account the following recommendations so that business trip organization won’t disturb you a lot. 

Indian business visa

The requirement to apply for an Indian business visa depends on your citizenship. You can clarify this moment on the website of the consulate. If you need this, the next stage is to submit documents including passport, photos and letters of confirmation from your partner and employer. 

Visa allows to organize business in India legally. But its absence might cause unpleasant situations. If you don’t have time to apply for a visa by yourself, use a business travel service that will take into account every detail. 

Indian business culture

Business trip to India is full of local cultural features. One of the core things is strong personal relationships. Try to build fundamental connections with the other side and base them on trust, loyalty and effectiveness. It’s impossible to proceed to any deal without this cornerstone but if you have it an Indian market automatically opens to you. 

The next important aspect is collectivism. Indians respect their traditions as well as feeling of belonging to the community. Community can be represented by family, company and even board of directors. Respectively, people will make decisions in a group but not individually. 

Indian business etiquette

You should show respect to a counterpart in order to reach a mutual agreement in business. The possible ways of doing it are shaking a hand or attentively listening to each other. Choose a strict and formal outfit for a business meeting without provocative wearing. 

At the same time, make sure that your English speaking skills are high enough to understand and provide your own arguments. Otherwise, hire a translator. 

Business travel tips for India

Follow our advice and benefit from a business travel to India:  

1. If you plan to visit Delhi, book a business hotel far from the city center. Prices at this location are extremely high but affordable accommodation with convenient infrastructure also can be found in other districts. 
2. For long-distance travel you’d better choose first class flight. Time difference, other climate zone and overcrowded cities may interfere with your plans. However, comfortable conditions in the airplane will ease acclimatization. 
3. Check the calendar of religious holidays. Indians follow many religions, but the majority of the local population practice Hinduism. For example, during Holi they stop working and you won’t be able to discuss any issues until the end of the festival. 

When organizational aspects of business trips to India take too much time, delegate them to a professional team. There is no need to book hotel, business class flights and entertainment on your own. Just trust experts and develop a professional agenda for Indian partners.