Non-verbal communication is considered to be very important when talking to Indians.
Thus, it is essential to follow certain rules described below:
First, men should not touch women for greeting or meeting in public nor vice versa.
Second, shaking hands for greeting is acceptable although saying 'namaste' while slightly bowing your head with folded hands is prefered. This shows respect for Indian customs.
Third, showing affection in public is not proper.k
Moreover, it is rude to point at someone with a single finger. One should use the whole hand or the thumb.
Also, the left hand is considered to be unclean and one should never touch another person's head since this part of the body is holy to Indians.
In addition, when an Indian shakes his head in a slope looking like the infinity sign, he wants to say 'yes' whereas if an Indian says 'I will try', he acutally means 'no' in a polite way.
What is more, if a person is offered a 'chai' or a beverage, refusing it is impolite and could be interpreted as an offense.
This is similar when having food. The plate must always be clean since leaving food on the plate is offensive.
To adress the time aspect: Meeting with friends or even business people is difficult. It might be true, that someone comes half an hour later than scheduled or does not show up at all. Another fact that explains some of the above customs is that India is focused on its past. That means it lays greater emphasis on traditions and long-term relationships.
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