BRICS Summit 2026: 10 Everyday Habits From Other Countries Indians May Find Surprisingly Different

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India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September 2026, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and the bloc's newer members under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Beyond trade talks and joint declarations, a gathering like this is also a reminder of how differently ordinary life plays out across member nations. Here are 10 everyday habits from BRICS countries that many Indians may find genuinely surprising.

Photo Credit: Chat GPT

1. In Russia, Smiling At Strangers Is Considered Odd

In India, a smile at a stranger on the street is common courtesy. In Russia, it can come across as insincere or even foolish. Russians tend to reserve smiles for family and close friends, following an old saying that laughing without reason is a sign of a fool. A neutral expression on the metro or in a shop is not rudeness; it is simply the norm.

2. Russians Never Gift An Even Number Of Flowers

Bringing flowers to a Russian home is a lovely gesture, but the count matters. Even-numbered bouquets are reserved for funerals, so gifting flowers for a birthday or dinner invitation always means picking an odd number, such as three, five or seven.

3. In China, Finishing Your Plate Can Be Seen As Impolite

While clearing your plate is often seen as good manners in Indian households, in China it can suggest the host did not serve enough food. Leaving a small amount behind is a subtle way of signalling that the meal was more than sufficient.

4. Chinese Diners Tap The Table Instead Of Saying Thank You

When someone pours tea at a Chinese table, the polite response is not always a spoken thank you. A light tap of two fingers on the table, a gesture said to date back centuries, silently conveys gratitude without interrupting the flow of conversation.

5. In China, Chopsticks Are Never Left Standing Upright

Sticking chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice is avoided across China, since the image closely resembles incense sticks burned at funerals. Diners instead rest chopsticks flat across the bowl or on a chopstick holder between bites.

6. In Saudi Arabia And The UAE, The Work Week Runs Sunday To Thursday

Where India's working week wraps up on Friday evening, most of the Gulf runs on an entirely different rhythm. Saudi Arabia's official work week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday forming the weekend, largely because Friday is the day of congregational prayer.

7. Friday Afternoons Pause For Prayer Across The Gulf

In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Friday is treated as more than a day off. Many shops and offices operate on reduced hours around midday to accommodate Jummah, the Friday congregational prayer, before public life picks back up again through the afternoon and evening.

8. In China, Gifts Are Rarely Opened In Front Of The Giver

While Indian celebrations often involve unwrapping gifts on the spot, Chinese etiquette generally calls for setting a gift aside and opening it later in private. Opening it immediately in front of the giver can be read as appearing too eager or overly evaluative.

9. Brazilians Bring Far More Physical Warmth Into Daily Conversation

Brazilian daily life leans heavily on expressive, physical closeness, with animated conversation, long shared meals and cheek kisses as a standard greeting even among people who have just met. This openness in body language and emotion sits in contrast to the more reserved public demeanour common in many other cultures.

10. In Russia, Removing Shoes At The Door Is Non-Negotiable

Much like many Indian households, Russian homes expect guests to remove their shoes at the entrance without needing to be asked. Hosts almost always keep a stock of guest slippers on hand, since walking indoors in street shoes is considered a clear mark of disrespect.