India has firmly established itself as a global hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), with more than 1,800 GCCs currently operating across major urban centres. These centres, set up by multinational corporations, perform high-value functions such as research and development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, finance, and product innovation.
Originally known as back-office or captive centres, GCCs have evolved significantly. The post-COVID world, marked by remote work adoption and mobility restrictions in Western countries, accelerated this transformation. India’s large pool of skilled, English-speaking professionals and competitive cost structure made it the preferred destination.
According to government data, GCC revenues grew from $40.4 billion in FY2019 to $64.6 billion in FY2024, reflecting strong momentum. States are actively competing to attract GCC investments by offering infrastructure support, policy incentives, and talent development programs.
This trend has major implications for India’s economy. GCCs generate high-quality employment, contribute to exports, and position India as an innovation partner rather than a cost centre. They also align with national initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and Skill India.