Strategies for Building Your Network in India

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to India to pursue your career promises to be both a professional and personal adventure, but building a strong professional network in this dynamic country can prove to be a major challenge for expatriates.

Between cultural differences, languages, and the specificities of the local job market, it’s essential to adopt appropriate strategies to navigate this unique environment.

This article offers concrete and effective approaches to maximize opportunities to meet key contacts and expand your professional network in India, exploring various channels such as networking events, local professional associations, and the crucial importance of interpersonal relationships, the true driving force of business in this vibrant and cosmopolitan nation.

Identifying Events and Associations for Networking Opportunities

Major Professional Events in India Offering Networking Opportunities for Expatriates:

Event	Sector	City	2025 Period	Particularities
AUTO EXPO	Automotive	Delhi	January 17-22	Over 50 countries represented, major industry meeting point
India International Leather Fair	Leather	Chennai	February 1-3	Over 400 exhibitors, strong international presence
Media Expo	Audiovisual, Media	New Delhi	October 9-11	Platform for production and display professionals
Pune Machine Tools Show	Engineering, Industry	Pune	May 15-18	Key gathering for the mechanical industry
World of Concrete	Construction, Building	Mumbai	October 8-10	Focus on materials, innovations and B2B networking
Smart Home Expo	Real Estate, Home Automation	New Delhi	May 8-10	Innovations and meetings in the smart home sector
Medicall Expo	Medical	New Delhi	September 20-22	Over 1,000 hospital owners, major decision-makers
Vinexpo India	Wine, Spirits	Mumbai	September 19-20	International networking in the beverage sector

Many other sector-specific trade shows cover agriculture, IT, retail, education, sports, architecture, etc.

Main Professional Associations Open to Expatriates:

• Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI)
• Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
• Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC)
• European Business Group India (EBG)
• NASSCOM (technology sector)
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

These associations regularly organize forums, workshops, dinners, and sector-specific conferences accessible to expatriates. They offer support for local integration, legal advice, and platforms to present projects.

Tips for Integrating at Professional Events in India:

• Arrive on time, but remain flexible: punctuality is appreciated, but meetings sometimes start late.
• Use business cards: standard exchange during any first professional meeting.
• Show respect for hierarchies: greet the highest-ranking individuals first.
• Prioritize human relationships over business: it’s common to discuss informal topics before addressing business matters.
• Adapt to indirect communication: avoid direct refusals, prefer nuanced phrasing.
• Actively participate in coffee breaks, lunches, and informal events: these moments are crucial for building trust.
• Learn about local customs (clothing, greetings, etc.): adaptation efforts are highly appreciated.

Major Cultural Differences to Anticipate:

• Hierarchy and Respect for Age: Decisions are often centralized and respect for elders is fundamental.
• Indirect Communication: Indians avoid direct confrontation, one must know how to read between the lines.
• Importance of Networks (“jugaad”): Personal relationships often facilitate business deals.

Concrete Success Examples:

A French executive in the automotive industry built a strong network by participating annually in AUTO EXPO and joining IFCCI. Through these contacts, he was able to identify reliable distributors and better understand local market expectations.

An American entrepreneur in tech joined NASSCOM and attended several hackathons and sector-specific meetups. These encounters allowed her to find local partners and adapt to Indian business practices.

A German consultant, by joining the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and regularly participating in sector forums in Mumbai and Pune, was able to build trust relationships with decision-makers and accelerate his establishment.

Key Takeaways:

Actively participating in sector-specific trade shows and joining a professional association are the most effective levers for networking in India. Cultural openness, patience, and involvement in human relationships are essential to transform these opportunities into lasting partnerships.

Understanding Professional Etiquette in India

Greetings and Polite Expressions

• The Namaste, a traditional gesture with hands joined, is very common for greeting in the Indian professional context. It can be accompanied by a slight nod.
• The handshake is also widespread, especially in urban or international circles. It should be firm but not too strong.
• The use of honorific titles (Sir, Madam, Doctor, Professor…) often precedes the first or last name during formal exchanges; it’s essential to show respect to the interlocutor.
• When exchanging business cards: always present the card with the right hand or both hands, face visible to the recipient.

Greeting	Context	Precautions
Namaste	Traditional/Respectful	To prefer in the presence of elders or during first meetings
Handshake	Modern/Urban	Mainly between men; with women if she initiates

Dress Code

• In traditional sectors (banking, administration): dark suit and tie for men; elegant sari or classic pantsuit for women.
• Technology/startup sectors: more casual attire accepted (shirt/pants for men; kurta/tunic and sober pants for women).
• Bright colors are appreciated but to be used in moderation in very formal settings.
• In southern and rural regions: local clothing like dhoti or sari may be preferred.

List of dress expectations by sector:

• Western professional attire required in multinationals
• Respect sobriety during official meetings
• Adapt clothing to local customs during regional travel

Hierarchy and Communication

Indian companies are strongly structured around a clear hierarchy, where age and rank determine the natural order of respect to be given.

It’s appropriate to use indirect communication: avoid frontal confrontation and prefer diplomatic phrasing (“I understand your point… Perhaps we could consider…”).

Concrete example:

When a superior expresses an idea even if questionable, avoid any direct contradiction in public.

Aspect	Indian Company	Western Company
Structure	Hierarchical	Often flatter
Communication	Indirect/Diplomatic	Direct
Deference	Very important	Variable

Punctuality and Time Management

The local perception of time can be surprising:

• Punctuality isn’t always rigorous; minor delays are often tolerated except in exceptional cases (e.g., high-level official appointments).
• It’s advised to arrive on time while remaining flexible regarding potential delays from other participants.

Anecdote:

An expatriate recounts that his Indian colleagues sometimes arrived up to twenty minutes after the scheduled time without it being poorly perceived by the local team. However, they were very attentive to respecting deadlines set by their hierarchical superiors.

Networking and Business Relationships

The personal dimension takes precedence over pure transaction.

• Building a sincere relationship before any business partnership is essential: take time to discuss private life/family before directly addressing business.
• Recommendations through mutual contacts hold much more value than cold outreach.

Practical list:

• Participate in informal events organized by your partners
• Show interest in personal topics mentioned during discussions
• Value any introduction made through a common contact

Behaviors and Practices to Avoid

Inappropriate gestures

Concrete list:

• Touching someone’s head or pointing at someone with your finger
• Showing your feet toward others or crossing your legs in front of a superior
• Openly criticizing your interlocutor in front of others
• Speaking too loudly/showing impatience during a meeting

Illustrative anecdote

A European manager lost trust with an Indian team after raising his voice at a junior colleague in front of his direct supervisor – this total lack of restraint was perceived as humiliating not only by the person concerned but also by all his colleagues present.

To integrate quickly, systematically adopting these codes not only helps avoid cultural blunders but also gradually builds credibility with local collaborators.

Establishing Lasting Multicultural Business Relationships

Understanding and respecting cultural differences specific to India are essential for establishing lasting business relationships. India is distinguished by great religious, linguistic, and regional diversity, as well as the preeminence of social and professional hierarchy.

Key Elements to Respect:

Hierarchy and Professional Titles

Respect for hierarchical positions is paramount. It’s appropriate to use the appropriate professional titles (Sir/Madam followed by the title or name) during exchanges, particularly with decision-makers or older individuals. Ignoring these codes can be perceived as disrespectful.

Non-Verbal Communication

Gestures have strong symbolic value; a traditional greeting such as a bow or the “Namaste” gesture marks respect towards the interlocutor. Physical restraint is appreciated; avoid excessive contact in public (especially between colleagues of the opposite sex).

Formal Greetings and Face-to-Face Meetings

First meetings should be formal, prioritizing politeness and a neat dress code. Physical meetings are valued as they help establish the trust necessary for any lasting business relationship.

Respect for Local Holidays and Public Holidays

Learning about major Indian holidays such as Diwali, Holi, or Eid demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Sending wishes on these occasions significantly strengthens professional bonds.

Main Holiday	Period	Significance	Recommended Action
Diwali	October-November	Hindu New Year	Send wishes/congratulations
Holi	March	Festival of Colors	Share festive messages
Eid	Variable (lunar)	End of Ramadan	Congratulate Muslim colleagues

Concrete Examples for Building Trust:

• During a first meeting with an Indian executive, greet formally with “Namaste,” briefly inquire about their family if the context allows.
• Offering a small symbolic gift during a local holiday shows interest in their culture.
• Scrupulously respect protocol order during an appointment – always address questions to the highest-ranking superior present.

Strategies for Maintaining These Relationships Long-Term:

• Regularly follow up after each important interaction with a personalized email.
• Adapt messages according to local events (example: congratulate during regional festivals).
• Maintain an active presence on popular professional social networks like LinkedIn India to share relevant news or positively comment on their posts.
• Periodically organize informal video calls to strengthen closeness despite geographical distance.

Practical List to Apply:

• Research before each trip about specific local customs of the state being visited.
• Note in your professional calendar the main Indian public holidays to anticipate potential holidays and organize appointments effectively.

Frame all important exchanges in the professional context with a personalized approach where mutual respect, adaptation to local practices, and regular valuation of human connection predominate.