Setting Up a GCC in India: Gateway to Innovation and Talent

Once perceived as cost-focused operational hubs, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are now pivotal in driving innovation by leveraging advanced technologies like AI and machine learning. They foster agility through a dynamic talent pool and scalable infrastructure, aligning closely with strategic business goals by integrating seamlessly into organizational objectives. 

By enhancing collaboration with startups and local ecosystems, GCCs create innovation ecosystems while cultivating specialized talent to meet evolving global demands.

The Rise of GCCs in India

GCCs in India are no longer synonymous with IT support and cost arbitrage. Instead, they are playing a key role in fulfilling the technological, operational and growth business objectives of the parent organization. 

In the last two decades, India has emerged as a GCC hub due to its vast pool of skilled professionals, robust IT infrastructure, and thriving startup ecosystem. Leading global firms leverage India’s GCCs to develop advanced technologies, scale business solutions, and gain a competitive edge.

Key Milestones of GCC Growth in India:

• As of 2025, the number of GCCs set up in India has increased to 1,700 in FY24, generating $64.6 billion in export revenue and employing over 1.9 million people.
• Innovation hubs in India are actively leveraging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain, AR and VR, with GCCs acting as sandboxes for the ideation-experimentation-production cycle. 
• Various cities across the country have established themselves as specialized hubs for distinct industries. Hyderabad, for instance, has emerged as the epicenter for pharmaceutical GCCs, while Mumbai and Delhi are the preferred destinations for banking, financial services, and insurance GCCs. Bengaluru, meanwhile, continues to lead as the favored location for core technology companies.
• Emphasis on developing local leadership talent has resulted in more Indian professionals in senior positions, leading strategic initiatives at a global level.
• By 2030, the GCC market in the country is estimated to grow to $99-105 billion, with the number of GCCs reaching 2,100-2,200 and headcount rising to 2.5-2.8 million

Unparalleled Talent Pool

India’s workforce is key to GCC success, with a large pool of tech-savvy professionals skilled in AI, ML, and data science. Producing over 1.5 million engineers annually, India remains a hub for specialized technical talent that drives global innovation and operational excellence.

Advantages of India’s Talent Pool:

• India has a high availability of engineers, developers, and analysts with global certifications, producing a significant number of skilled professionals annually, ensuring GCCs can meet global standards effectively.
• Expertise in emerging technologies like cloud computing and IoT strengthens India’s appeal as professionals here drive technological innovation by implementing advanced solutions for global operations.
• Continuous learning and skill development are priorities for Indian talent, which helps GCCs remain competitive and aligned with rapidly evolving global trends.

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

While cost-saving was once the primary driver for setting up GCCs in India, the narrative has shifted. GCCs in India are now seen as strategic investments. 

By capitalizing on lower operational costs, companies can optimize resources and reduce infrastructure and overhead expenses while focusing on innovation and process optimization. This balance of efficiency and quality makes India a top choice for maximizing ROI.

Innovation Hub

Modern Indian GCCs drive experimentation and transformation, developing scalable digital platforms and enabling product innovation. They help organizations adapt to market demands, fostering agility and competitiveness.

Examples of innovation in Indian GCCs:

• AI-driven solutions for predictive analytics and customer engagement: GCCs use advanced AI algorithms to analyze customer behaviour, predict trends, and deliver tailored experiences, boosting retention and satisfaction.
• Blockchain-based systems for secure financial transactions: By implementing blockchain technology, GCCs ensure transparency, reduce fraud, and enhance the security of global financial operations.
• Cloud-native applications supporting seamless global operations: Leveraging cloud infrastructure, GCCs build applications that allow businesses to operate efficiently across regions, ensuring scalability and continuity.
• Automation tools to streamline operations: GCCs develop robotic process automation (RPA) tools to optimize workflows, reduce manual errors, and cut operational costs.
• IoT solutions for smart manufacturing: GCCs create IoT-enabled systems that monitor production processes in real time, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime.

Supportive Government Policies

India’s government supports GCC growth through initiatives like “Make in India” and digital economy reforms, fostering innovation, infrastructure, and global competitiveness. The “Make in India” campaign enhances manufacturing and attracts foreign direct investments (FDI). Additionally, reforms relaxing FDI norms, especially in technology and telecom, encourage global companies to invest in India.

Robust Infrastructure

India’s urban centres, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune, provide world-class facilities for global businesses. With advanced IT parks, data centres, and communication networks, these cities are ideal for GCC operations, offering reliable internet, uninterrupted power, and modern amenities for efficient service delivery. 

In the last few years, Tier -2 and 3 cities like Coimbatore, Ahmadabad, Vishakhapatnam, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Indore and many others have also emerged as strategic talent hubs.

Strategic Location and Time Zone Advantage

Positioned between the Americas and Europe, India serves as a bridge for businesses across regions. The time zone enables 24/7 support, ensuring seamless collaboration with teams in the US, Europe, and Asia, leading to faster response times, efficient service handling, and continuous project delivery. This advantage enhances efficiency and responsiveness for global operations.

Proven Track Record of GCC Success in India

Multinational corporations in industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and manufacturing have consistently chosen India for its talent, cost efficiency, and strategic advantages. 

Cultural Affinity and English Proficiency

The country’s deep-rooted understanding of Western business practices and organizational structures enables Indian teams to integrate seamlessly with their global counterparts. English, as the primary medium of communication in business, ensures that teams can collaborate effectively without language barriers. 

Scalability and Flexibility

Flexible infrastructure, including adaptable office spaces and advanced IT systems, supports both short-term projects and long-term growth, making India ideal for organizations needing to adjust quickly to market demands.

Case Study

Visa Inc., a global leader in payments technology, set up a Technology Center of Excellence (TCoE) in Bengaluru to spearhead the development of next-generation payment solutions. However, the company faced significant challenges in attracting top-tier tech talent in India, grappling with protracted hiring cycles and high acquisition costs.

To address these hurdles, Visa partnered with ANSR, leveraging its extensive network of 1.5 million tech professionals to accelerate recruitment and optimize hiring efficiency. Beyond talent acquisition, ANSR facilitated seamless workspace integration, handled legal compliance, and provided HR support. This collaboration enabled Visa to build a world-class development team, driving innovation and strengthening its leadership in the global payments market.

The Future of GCCs in India

GCCs in India are set for exponential growth, driven by evolving business needs and new opportunities for innovation. Collaboration with startups and leveraging India’s dynamic ecosystems are fostering forward-thinking solutions across industries. By focusing on scaling operations, accessing new talent, and investing in advanced technologies, India is poised to remain a leader in the global GCC landscape.