Language:  

Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people although there are 14 other official languages; however, English is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication.

Cost of Living:

Generally in India everything is very cheap.  A meal in a local eatery costs less than 50p and there are plenty of superb fresh fruit and freshly squeezed fruit juices, like mango, pineapple and grape.

Visas and Work Permits:

All foreign nationals who wish to come to India must have their own country’s valid passport and an Indian visa. There are two ways to apply for a work permit. Either the applicant can apply to the Indian Embassy or High Commission in his own resident country, or the employer who offers the job initiates the visa application process in India. One is also required to obtain a residential permit from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.

Cultural Differences:

Do use titles wherever possible, such as “Professor” or “Doctor”. If your Indian counterpart does not have a title, use “Mr”, “Mrs”, or “Miss”.

Do wait for a female business colleague to initiate the greeting. Indian men do not generally shake hands with women out of respect.

Do remain polite and honest at all times in order to prove that your objectives are sincere.

Don't be aggressive in your business negotiations – it can show disrespect.

Don't take large or expensive gifts as this may cause embarrassment. If you do take a gift make sure you present the gift with both hands.

Don't refuse any food or drink offered to you during business meetings as this may cause offence. In addition, it is useful to bear in mind that traditionally, Indians are vegetarians and do not drink alcohol.

Job Searching:

It is expected that by 2010 there will be 120,000 jobs openings in India in the ITES sector. Fashion, Health Care, Biotechnology are also areas where India needs special knowledge that is available in the U.S. and Europe. People who can speak different languages, American English, French, German are also in high demand. Some good sites to visit for job posts is:
http://www.dinesh.com/india/careers.shtml  and
http://www.careerindia.com/

Money/Banking/Taxes:

In India, resident taxpayers are taxed on their worldwide income. However, non-resident taxpayers are taxed only on income received in India or on income arising in India. India has a wide range of well-networked Banks in almost all cities and towns. There are national as well as multi-national banks that provide facilities such as ATMs, telebanking and netbanking.  To open a bank account one needs to be a foreign national temporarily residing in India, on account of his employment / profession, and holding a valid foreign passport. In addition, one must hold a valid business / employment visa and an employer's certificate / approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in case he is self employed.

Safety:

Visit http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1139.html 
for complete safety information.