The last time I went from south Mumbai to have dinner with friends in Navi Mumbai, the trip took three and a half hours – making us 90 minutes later than the expected two hour trip.
Today you can do this trip in 20 minutes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the country’s longest sea bridge, on Friday. The sea bridge connects South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and will reduce the current two-hour journey to just around 15-20 minutes.
While inaugurating the bridge, PM Modi (who loves to paint the big picture) said, “This is proof of our resolve that for India’s development, we can take on even the ocean and break the waves.”
The 21.8-kilometre-long bridge will enhance connectivity to both Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa, and South India. Additionally, it will improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
Things are changing fast in India – perhaps this is your year to find out what this might mean for you?
India first adopted “Look East” as a foreign policy in 1991 – but in true PM Narendra Modi form, he changed the name to “Act East” – and action there is. Two main projects show how change is coming.
As 2023 draws to a close, a decade-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh, to set up the first Indo-Bangla international railway connectivity in India’s Northeast, has found fruition in the recently launched Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link.
Inaugurated digitally by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, this railway connects, Agartala—the capital city of India’s Northeastern state, Tripura—with the Akhaura upazila in Bangladesh’s Bahmanbaria district. The connectivity through Bangladesh helps bypass the long, narrow, and congested Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ which connects the Northeast to India’s mainland. In effect, this reduces the traveling distance from India’s Northeastern states such as Mizoram, and southern parts of Assam to Kolkata. For Tripura particularly, the distance to Kolkata by rail is reduced from 1,600 km to 500 km and the duration is reduced from 31 hours to 10 hours, approximately.
In another major “Act East” development, on the side-lines of the recently concluded 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting in Bangkok on 16 July, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with his Myanmar counterpart U Than Swe to discuss regional connectivity initiatives, with particular emphasis on expediting the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT-TH) project.
The IMT-TH project follows a proposed plan that starts from Bangkok and passes through cities like Sukhothai and Mae Sot in Thailand, and Yangon, Mandalay, Kalewa, and Tamu in Myanmar before reaching India. In India, it is likely to pass through Moreh, Kohima, Guwahati, Srirampur, Siliguri, and Kolkata, spanning over 2,800 km. The longest stretch of the highway will be in India, while the most minor road section will be in Thailand. Thailand’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijavat Isarabhakdi, stated in a recent interview that most of the project’s work in Thailand is over. The Indian counterpart also mentioned that around 70 percent of the work is complete. Upon being approached, Aung Naing Oo, Myanmar’s Trade Minister, revealed that most of the highway was constructed, spanning 1,512 km. The contractors will complete the remaining sections within three years.
“Act East” looks like building new connectivity between Southeast Asia and South Asia – and that strengthens the region.
As Australia builds closer relations in Asia while India strides into the western world, it becomes more important than ever that employees have cross cultural knowledge.
My reading on cross cultural training programs is that the best focus on the assimilation of workers from a variety of cultures into a common corporate culture (sometimes called “cultural congruence”). The best also teach “cultural differentiation” – how to maintain your own culture while recognizing the value of others. That has been my mantra – stay true to your culture while adapting where you can.
This messaging has to start from the CEO and flow down, improving internal and external cross-cultural communications.
But beware – many existing programs are basically just etiquette training—such as whether you should bow or shake hands—and do not deal with the bigger issues.
Also beware of just training people in the basics such as Americans do this, Indian do that, Aussies do something else. Interesting and useful – but does not prepare your ream for behaving in cross culturally different situations. This takes many employees outside of their comfort zone.
Boeing: A Mixed Approach
At Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company with 330,000 employees in 28 countries, leaders use a mix of approaches and tools—from online modules to afternoon seminars to one-on-one training—to help staff become more culturally aware. All employees are trained using GlobeSmart, an online resource developed by Portland-based Aperian Global. Workers and their families embarking on overseas assignments are given one-on-one sensitivity training and cultural orientation sessions.
The goal is to make sure employees are “not just landing in a country and getting introduced for the first time,” says Lisa-Marie Gustafson, SPHR, a talent manager for Boeing’s supplier management group.
Boeing also arranges “lunch and learn” cultural talks, employee rotation programs to allow overseas staff to work for nine to 18 months in the U.S., and diversity summits twice a year in U.S. locations.
Good training programs address subtle differences between people of different cultures. How is trust built differently in this culture? What is the most constructive way to provide criticism?
SAP: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
SAP is a software giant based in Walldorf, Germany, with locations in 130 countries. It has an elaborate diversity program, which includes cultural sensitivity training.
Employees embarking on overseas business trips can access online cultural briefings. All SAP employees can take classroom-based training and receive interactive instruction. The company uses a mix of internal and external trainers and customizes its training depending on the location destination and employees’ needs.
Professor Andy Molinsky and “Global Dexterity”
I am a big fan and user of programs from Professor Andy Molinsky from Brandeis University – he claims the best training programs should also teach employees how to act in cultural situations that make them uncomfortable. That is, training would ideally teach employees “global dexterity”—which is also the title of Molinsky’s book.
In his programs, a student from Asia who may be culturally programmed to remain quiet unless she’s asked to speak, would practice speaking out at meetings without being prompted. Or an American who’s uncomfortable giving blunt feedback could practice that skill. Molinsky says the idea is for students to be put in realistic situations and to benefit from feedback and analysis in a supportive environment.
Making a start
Of course, for most corporations the first steps in building effective cross cultural training come from knowing your employees and assessing current attitudes.
You can choose to start with a simple program – creating a workplace committed to treating every employee, customer and client with respect. Of course, the program should define what that means—such as using no racial terms, jokes or language, even if such conduct is legally permissible in a particular country.
The beauty of scale and economic dichotomy. 20% of Indians are growing their incomes and about to increase discretionary purchases – this 20% is a great market of 280 million people.
Mugunthan Siva, Co-Founder of India Avenue Investment Management gives some valuable insights into how this scale and dichotomy works.
The other 80% of the population of 1.4 billion is the “factory of India”, which allows companies like Tesla to manufacture more cheaply out of India. Plus of course the rural population with increasing productivity.
The real beauty of this – as employment and skilling in this segment increases, it will also start participating in more consumption.
A beautiful summary of why India today is the market of choice.
I did not know about the Diwali Festival – this is one of my first visits to New Delhi and I am staying in the beautiful old art deco Taj Ambassador Hotel, close by to the Khan Market and, these days, to a Delhi Metro station. The hotel is an oasis of calm.
It’s the end of a busy day and I retire early, drifting off and then sitting up startled by the massive explosion outside – it seems to be on the road in front of the hotel.
I put on some clothes and race down to reception and breathlessly ask: “did you hear that! What is it?” The reception staff are beaming, their joy is obvious. “Sir, happy Diwali – Indians let off firecrackers to celebrate.” I ask: “At this time of night?” She replies: “Sir, it could be at any time, day or night, we never know – but there will probably be more tonight.”
Since I cannot sleep, I check out this Diwali festival. It is beautiful – if a bit loud.
There is nothing in India more joyous than the annual Diwali “Festival of Lights” celebrating the triumph of good over evil, light over dark and knowledge over ignorance. Surely this optimistic and hopeful theme is relevant to our world today?
Families come together for meals and exchange of gifts such as sweets and dried fruits. Children look forward to Diwali in India in much the same way as they look forward to Christmas in the west – with great excitement and anticipation.
In towns and cities, public buildings are lit up and throughout India homes are surrounded by candles (diya), while people wear their smartest new clothes, and the atmosphere is one of hope. At the end of the day, the sky is lit up by firecrackers and sparklers.
People express their thanks for things like good health, wealth, knowledge and peace.
At heart, Diwali is an expression of goodwill to all people, and so its public face is not about the voice of one religion. One of the few festivals to be held across the whole of India and touching all 1.4 billion people, Diwali cuts across religions and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists.
Diwali is really a reminder of the beauty of this world and all things in it – what a great message of hope and optimism this is for all our children.
A final note on Diwali
Although my first encounter with Diwali – that explosion in Delhi – filled me with feat in this era of terrorism, yet with all that, Indians freely continue to celebrate as they always have. I admire that.
I was in Jaipur (the pink city) during one Diwali and vendors were selling firecrackers on the pavement – they were stacked about a metre high, and one vendor had about 10 metres of these giant explosives. Bigger than you would have seen when firecrackers were legal in the west. The vendor was happily sitting on top of the lethal pile, smoking a cigarette! Nobody but us noticed or cared. As I learn about India in my search, I am not suggesting selling firecrackers on the footpath, but maybe we can learn again to relax a little in the way Indians do.
As the influence of India grows and as the Indian diaspora in many countries also expands, I hope that the beautiful Diwali might become a truly global celebration of all that is good in us.
This is one of my first lessons as I continue my search for India.
Many people report having “gone it alone” to India, had wonderful experiences, came home with bundles of signed MOU’s – and then nothing happened. Wrong people? Wrong profile? Missed the market?
There are 5 main reasons a trade mission will work better for you:
With pre-mission briefings, backgrounders and just exchanging experience with others on the mission, you will know better than to sign up with the first person who says “yes” (did you know in India it is rare to say “no”?)
On a mission the Indian audience notices you – you will be connected with the government and business community (did you know that government and business are incredibly closely integrated in India?)
You will be able to work positively with others, leverage skills and knowledge of the way the market works in India – including expertise of Austrade and State Government Business Offices (did you know India is a “collective” culture and you need the right point of entry?)
Each day of a trade mission is learning – you will learn first hand from others and exchange your ideas with them (did you know most products and services need some form of adaptation to succeed in India?)
You will gain some valuable insights into the culture and history of this proud nation, so rather than filling your day with endless meetings you will be able to spend some time exploring India (did you know what a huge impact you can have simply by showing interest in the history and culture of India?)
As they say – If you can make it in India, you are ready for anywhere.
Take a look at this forthcoming mission from some experts:
In the sense that the G20 is mainly about global conversations and agendas, India succeeded in directing those conversations and setting out an agenda which will be picked up by the next G20 presidency country – Brazil.
India’s G20 presidency was focused on sustainable and inclusive growth, including women-led development initiatives.
India also shifted the G20 somewhat from a fundamental economic platform, to addressing the challenges of climate change, disasters, growing water and energy insecurity, democratic backsliding and gender inequality.
India was also successful in building consensus – something which has been a challenge over the years. It welcomed the African Union as the newest member and signalled the need for great inclusion of countries, including the Global South.
THE “INTO INDIA” QUICK GUIDE TO INDIAN BUSINESS CULTURE
While India is one country, there are many Indias within India. India is a multilingual, multi-ethnic and pluralistic society, and vast cultural differences can be seen between North and South India.
You might need multiple “market entry strategies” to succeed with these “many Indias”.
But beware of generalisations and “expert” advice (including mine!) – it has been said that: “Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.”
English is the official language of business.
Be prepared for meetings to start and finish late and for interruptions to occur on a regular basis. If you can adapt to interruptions (in almost every activity) then you will have fun and enjoy India.
Learn the art of “going with the flow” – avoid filling your whole day with appointments, be flexible, be curious, take in the sights and sounds of this wonderful country and your hosts will be aware of how much you enjoy it.
You will no doubt be surprised by how formal and hierarchical is the relationship between managers and staff in India.
Indians place great value on relationships: take the time to develop contacts and relationships.
“Being there” is a big part of making it in India.
One last “generalisation” – India is young, confident, fast and energetic – you need to be all these things too!
For several years we have speculated about India’s foreign policy agenda – fuelled by its multi-alignment strategy – where does India stand, ask many western commentators.
But just quietly India has gradually revealed its priority.
Of course, part of this is a response to China – a country which shares contested borders with India.
Many western leaders hoped to “bring India into the fold”, becoming an alliance partner of the USA and others in the west.
But India has made its own choices.
New Delhi plays an active role in multiple organisations – the QUAD (Japan, USA, Australia and India), the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and remains in these in part to prevent China dominating.
But the “Global South” is now a top priority for Delhi.
India is building a unique bond between the developed and the developing world of the “Global South”. India alone can help the west engage and truly contribute to economic development in the region. For the USA, India can help Washington as it struggles to define and commit to the “Global South”.
It’s an exciting vision, put together by Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar.
This “Global South” vision of India does not stop its connections with the west – which remains an important source of technology and capital for India’s growth. It is a great balancing act by the Indian Government.
Since Australia shares its future with many of these “Global South” countries, where can Australia support India in this emerging vision?
Read a more detailed Lowy Institute analysis of India and “Global South” here:
ISRO chief prays for success of Chandrayaan space moon mission at Chengalamma temple in Sullurpeta
Last week India celebrated landing on the moon, led by S Somanath, ISRO Chairman. Days before he was at a temple (pictured) praying for the success of the mission. How does his mind combine science and spirituality?
His words: “I am an explorer. I explore the Moon. I explore the inner space. So it’s a part of the journey of my life to explore both science and spirituality. I visit many temples and I read many scriptures. I try to find the meaning of our existence and our journey in this cosmos. It’s a part of the culture that we are all built to explore, find out the inner self as well as outer self. So for the outer, I do science, for the inner I come to temples…”
This quote from ISRO chairman was sent by my friend Vinay Sarawagi, Senior Vice President Digital, Times Group, and it describes Indian philosophy seamlessly. In many societies this would be seen contradictory.
As Vinay wrote: “Bharat teaches one to think multidimensionally, to appreciate the mystery and paradoxes of life.”
INTO INDIA would add that this is an intellectual challenge for many in the west, who tend to see things as one way and not the other. In foreign policy, it is why aligned countries struggle to understand India’s view of a multidimensional world – in which instead of alignment India pursues multi-alignment.
Into India 