Will India’s GCC footprint exceed 350 million square feet in the next 3-4 years?
Synopsis
India is witnessing a remarkable surge in global capability centres, with over 200 new entries in just two years. Projections indicate that the GCC footprint will surpass 350 million square feet in the coming years. Discover how cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are shaping this transformative growth.
Key Takeaways
Over 200 new GCCs established in India in two years.
Total GCC footprint projected to exceed 350 million square feet.
Bengaluru remains the leading city with a market share of 34-39 percent.
Hyderabad and Pune are also significant players in the GCC landscape.
Expansion of GCCs is increasingly moving towards Tier II cities.
Mumbai, Feb 17 (NationPress) India has welcomed over 200 new global capability centres (GCCs) in the past two years, with forecasts suggesting that the total GCC footprint will exceed 350 million square feet within the next 3-4 years, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The GCC leasing activity in India reached a record 31 million sq ft in 2025, showcasing the development of an advanced ecosystem of specialized metropolitan hubs, each possessing unique competitive advantages across vital industry sectors, per the latest JLL report.
Bengaluru holds a significant market share of 34-39 percent with over 900 GCC units, establishing itself as the industry leader, while Hyderabad captures 20-23 percent of the market, bolstered by its dominance in the healthcare-biotech sector.
“The statistics reveal a strong narrative of continual growth and maturity. With over 90 percent of current GCC operations concentrated in tier 1 cities, these centres have occupied more than 263 million sq ft of Grade A office space across the top seven cities, driving 40 percent of all office leasing activities in the last decade,” stated Dr Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research and REIS, India, JLL.
This expansion is primarily influenced by US-based companies, which account for 70 percent of all GCC demand from 2018 to 2025, highlighting India's strategic relevance to American businesses, he noted.
Pune has claimed 15-20 percent of the national GCC activity over the previous four years, attracting major multinational corporations due to its superior quality of life, talent pool, and strategic sector positioning.
Likewise, Chennai has seen robust demand growth every year since 2023, solidifying its reputation as India’s manufacturing and automotive centre.
The Delhi NCR region has emerged as a corporate services hub, leveraging its diverse economic foundations and strong growth trajectory, according to the report.
While Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have historically dominated, a transition is occurring as global companies explore the untapped potential of India’s Tier II cities.
“From the industrial and GIFT City corridors of Ahmedabad to the cultural hubs of Kolkata and Jaipur, secondary cities are swiftly evolving into advanced business centres. This transformation goes beyond mere geographical expansion; it represents a strategic shift driven by compelling business economics and emerging opportunities,” the report concluded.
Point of View
The rapid expansion of global capability centres in India highlights the country's growing significance as a hub for multinational corporations. This trend not only reflects India's evolving economic landscape but also emphasizes the strategic importance of tier 1 and tier 2 cities in attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation.
NationPress
5 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are global capability centres?
Global capability centres (GCCs) are operational units that provide support services to their parent companies, often including functions like IT, finance, and customer service.
Which cities are leading in GCC establishment?
Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are the leading cities in India for the establishment of global capability centres.
How much GCC leasing activity was recorded in India?
India's GCC leasing activity reached a record of 31 million square feet in 2025.
What percentage of GCC activity is concentrated in tier 1 cities?
Over 90 percent of current GCC activity is concentrated in tier 1 cities.
What role do US companies play in India's GCC market?
US-headquartered firms represent 70 percent of all GCC demand from 2018 to 2025, underscoring India's strategic importance to American enterprises.
