India: Minimal Contact — Personal Space Is Valued.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with greeting tips for India — free.
Minimal Contact — Personal Space Is Valued. The "namaste" (pressed palms with a slight bow) is a common and appreciated greeting, especially with elders; handshakes are common in business, but cross-gender physical contact is often more reserved.
India: Minimal Contact — Personal Space Is Valued. The "namaste" (pressed palms with a slight bow) is a common and appreciated greeting, especially with elders; handshakes are common in business, but cross-gender physical contact is often more reserved.
In India, a light handshake or verbal greeting is fine, but personal space is valued and closer contact is reserved for close relationships.
A light handshake or friendly nod is a safe default almost anywhere in the world. Let the other person initiate anything closer, like a hug or cheek kiss — following their lead avoids any awkwardness.
This reflects the general, most common pattern for a destination, not a fixed rule — greeting style varies by region, generation, and setting, and it's always fine to follow the other person's lead or offer a simple handshake if you're unsure.