New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) India is swiftly establishing itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) within the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors, propelled by the expanding scale and strategic advancement of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), as highlighted in a recent report.

The analysis conducted by DS Stream reveals that India currently accommodates over 1,800 GCCs, employing nearly 2 million technology professionals. Remarkably, more than 70 percent of these centres are actively investing in AI-driven capabilities across various domains, including customer experience, merchandising, and optimization of supply chains.

The nation’s role has transformed significantly from being merely a cost-effective support base to evolving into a strategic centre where global retail and FMCG companies are developing and implementing their AI operating models, the report states.

"India is no longer just a support system for global operations. It is increasingly becoming the epicenter for constructing and scaling AI-driven decision-making frameworks for retail and CPG sectors," the report asserts.

With over 78 percent of newly established retail and CPG GCCs in India focusing on AI, machine learning, and data engineering as essential capabilities, these centres are now managing comprehensive functions. These include cloud data platforms, machine learning operations, commercial analytics, and enterprise-wide AI solutions, particularly in areas like demand forecasting, pricing strategies, promotions, and inventory management.

According to industry data cited in the report, nearly 95 percent of companies leveraging AI in retail and CPG have documented cost reductions, while 89 percent have experienced revenue increases when AI is integrated into core operational workflows.

India is also enhancing its capabilities in AI engineering, encompassing Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), governance, and cloud-native architecture. This enables GCCs to transition from pilot initiatives to large-scale, production-ready implementations.

"With more than 70 percent of GCCs investing in AI platform engineering and governance, India is maturing into an 'AI factory' capable of delivering scalable and secure enterprise solutions," the report highlights.

The report further emphasizes the significance of developing integrated operational models that merge data engineering, machine learning, and generative AI capabilities to yield scalable and repeatable value.

With its expanding talent pool, advancing AI ecosystem, and evolving GCC model, India is strongly positioned to spearhead the next phase of AI-driven transformation in global retail and CPG sectors, the report concludes.