@onlinpunit @SoulSpokesman @vasanthm
It is inevitable that Pakistanis will end up working with Indians overseas.
I would earnestly suggest to young overseas Pakistanis in the tech sector to get out of their shell, interact ( as far as possible) with young "techie" Indians most of whom are from South India anyway and harbor far less animosity towards Pakistanis than their Northern counterparts.
Rule 1.
The further South you go the less the animosity. Thus Tamils and Malayalis have the least amount of animosity towards Pakistanis. Among the Southerners Kannadiga might the most hostile.
Rule 2.
Always talk to South Indian Techies in English, even if they claim fluency in basic Hindi ( sprinkled with a lot of Indish words). South Indians especially Tamils have no particular love for the Hindi language and resent what they call an imposition. Speaking to them in Hindi automatically clubs you with their Northern counterparts which they hate.
Rule 3 .
Don't touch or shake hands with Indians ( any Indian) unless he or she offers her hand. Indians have an untouchability rule and as India gets more conservative , all Muslims ( Indian Muslims included) automatically become untouchable because of the diet ( non veg).
Rule 4
In the office canteen or dining hall eat at a separate table unless specifically invited to join. When eating do not touch a glass or dish and pass it along without first asking.
Rule 5
Indian society is highly nuanced. Each group and ethnic linguistic community have their own festivities that are not celebrated and observed in other regions. Find out where your colleagues come from and note the dates of the festivals particularly to their state. Example: Ugadi for Andhra, Pongal for Tamil Nadu, Onam for Kerala. Save the dates to your Smartphone calendar,
Then wish your colleagues on Ugadi ( or any other festival) and see their shock and pleasant surprise.
Rule 6
Never discuss politics, religion ( Islam), or India Pakistan relations. Instead ask the South Indians about their cuisine, art music, theatre and culture. They may throw religion into their culture since it is inextricably bound but be a polite listener. If the Andhra techie talks about the Kuchipudi dance form and Satyabhama depiction, ask about Satyabhama.
Rule 7
Do a basic primer on their religion using either an online resource or ordering some books through Amazon. Since their are many schools of philosophy you may stumble upon the dominant school and you could self-educate accordingly.
( Note: I made this my hobby and acquired some knowledge )
Remember:
Techie Indians are not supermen. They have emigrated to earn a living and find their dream lifestyle which is but a dream in their own hometowns. They are ordinary folk simply trying to get away from their own country with no desire at all to go back. Over 20 million have emigrated since 2004.