In a recent interview, Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick revealed that he had requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally call the US President to close a major deal, but India was “uncomfortable” doing so, resulting in Modi not making the call.
This revelation sheds light on the complexities of international business deals and highlights the need for effective communication and understanding between countries.
Lutnick, who has been leading the global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald for over two decades, shared this incident during a conversation about his experience in doing business in India. He expressed his admiration for India’s business potential and stated that he sees a lot of opportunities for growth in the country.
However, Lutnick also acknowledged the challenges in doing business in India, especially when it comes to navigating through the country’s bureaucratic processes. He mentioned that during a major deal negotiation, he had requested Prime Minister Modi to personally make a call to the US President to close the deal. But to his surprise, India was “uncomfortable” doing so, and therefore, Modi did not make the call.
This incident highlights the cultural differences and the importance of understanding and respecting them in international business dealings. While it may be a common practice in the US for high-level executives to directly communicate with government officials, it may not be the case in other countries.
Furthermore, this incident also emphasizes the need for effective communication and relationship-building in business. Lutnick’s request for Modi to make the call was not just a formality; it was a gesture to strengthen the bond between the two countries and to show trust and commitment towards the deal.
In fact, this incident also showcases the strong relationship between India and the US. Despite the request being turned down, Lutnick holds no grudges against India and continues to see immense potential in the country. He even expressed his desire to expand Cantor Fitzgerald’s presence in India and to create more job opportunities in the country.
The positive attitude and commitment shown by Lutnick towards doing business in India are truly commendable. It reflects the determination and resilience of the global business community in the face of challenges and obstacles.
Moreover, this incident also highlights the need for countries to work together and find common ground to boost economic growth and development. In today’s interconnected world, it is crucial for countries to build strong partnerships and collaborations to overcome challenges and achieve mutual success.
In conclusion, Lutnick’s revelation about his request to Modi to call the US President for a deal showcases the complexities and challenges of international business dealings. It also highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences, effective communication, and building relationships in business. Despite the request being turned down, this incident further strengthens the bond between India and the US and showcases the determination and positive attitude of the global business community towards finding solutions and achieving success.






