Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in India?

Not customary, avoid. In India, cheek kissing as a greeting is not a traditional custom and is generally reserved for close family or very intimate friends in urban, Westernized circles. At a social gathering, it can be perceived as overly familiar or inappropriate, especially across genders or with elders, where the traditional namaste (palms pressed together) or a simple handshake is preferred.

Use a namaste with a slight bow or a handshake for same-gender greetings, and always wait for the other person to initiate any physical contact.

In metropolitan areas like Mumbai or Delhi among younger, Westernized crowds, a single cheek kiss may be accepted between close friends, but it remains rare and context-dependent.