India has become an essential economic and technological partner, and working with Indian counterparts is now part of daily life for many companies. Whether you’re managing a remote team, coordinating with an IT provider based in Bangalore, negotiating a contract, or running a production site in India, professional interactions with this country are on the rise.
But beware: speaking English with Indian colleagues is not enough to ensure smooth collaboration. Cultural differences between France and India can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or even costly miscommunications.
At Gapsmoov, we help companies improve their effectiveness in multicultural environments. Through our training programs and our platform « the culture decoder® », we support hundreds of professionals every year in better understanding their foreign counterparts, especially in India.
Here are 7 practical tips, based on our on-the-ground experience, to help you work more effectively with Indian colleagues and partners.
1. Build the relationship before doing business
In India, trust comes before business. Expect personal questions—sometimes quite direct—about your background or family. Don’t be surprised: this is how trust is built. Be open, polite, and respectful—relationship-building is a key prerequisite for any professional collaboration.
2. Adapt your communication: implicit over explicit
An Indian “yes” can actually mean “no,” or simply “I’ve heard you.” Indian culture values harmony and avoids direct confrontation. Learn to read between the lines—pay attention to silence, polite phrases, and gestures (such as the head wobble, which often signals agreement). Favor verbal communication (video calls, phone) for work interactions, but always confirm key points in writing.
3. Structure teamwork carefully
The legacy of the caste system and a highly competitive education system can lead to siloed working habits. To encourage effective collaboration, clearly explain shared objectives, designate a local facilitator, and set up regular check-ins to build team cohesion.
4. Lead meetings with clarity and diplomacy
Meetings are not typically seen as a space for direct debate. If you’re in a leadership role, avoid imposing solutions from the start. Instead, present the issues and invite input from others. Always wrap up with a clear action plan (What – Who – When), keeping in mind that the “When” is often the most uncertain part.
5. Negotiate with patience… and caution
Be prepared for aggressive discount requests. In India, everything is negotiable. Never concede too quickly—make gradual trade-offs and ask for something in return. And remember: a verbal agreement doesn’t guarantee execution. Focus on short-term action plans (no more than 3 months) and maintain close follow-up.
6. Polish your presentations and respect the hierarchy
Begin presentations with a calm silence and a smile, then highlight the benefits of your proposal rather than its features. Indian professionals value visually appealing, well-structured presentations. Always address the senior decision-maker first, even if they remain quiet during the meeting.
7. Understand their approach to time: flexible yet intense
Time management can be tricky. Deadlines are rarely met to the letter, but last-minute issues are handled with remarkable agility. Prioritize short-term plans, with clear milestones and hands-on support.
Want to go further?
These tips offer a glimpse into Indian cultural preferences. For a more personalized and interactive approach, our platform « the culture decoder® » enables each employee to discover their own cultural profile, compare it with India’s, and receive tailored advice based on their specific professional context.
