Does India Host Nearly 53% of the World’s Global Capability Centres?

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Does India Host Nearly 53% of the World’s Global Capability Centres?

Synopsis

Discover how India has become a powerhouse for Global Capability Centres, hosting over half of the world's GCCs. With a growing number of these centres, the country is redefining the landscape of innovation and development in various sectors. Is India the new destination for global businesses?

Key Takeaways

  • India hosts nearly 1,700 Global Capability Centres.
  • These centres account for approximately 53% of the world's total GCCs.
  • Major cities include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
  • The IT sector is the dominant player, contributing 49%.
  • Projected growth to over 2,100 GCCs by FY28.

New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) India is home to nearly 1,700 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) located in tier 1 and 2 cities, representing approximately 53 percent of the global total of GCCs, according to a report released on Monday.

Major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Pune make up 94 percent of the GCCs in India, as stated by Vestian Research, a global workplace solutions provider focused on occupiers.

The remaining 6 percent of GCCs are distributed among cities such as Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Vadodara, Nashik, Trivandrum, Jodhpur, Warangal, Baroda, Visakhapatnam, Bhogapuram, Jaipur, Surat, Mohali, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Mysuru, Madurai, and Bhopal.

As per Vestian Research, the total GCCs in India is expected to surpass 2,100 by FY28, with a growth rate of 8 percent CAGR. On average, around 150 new centres are anticipated to be established each year.

The IT sector dominates the landscape, accounting for about 49 percent of GCCs, followed by the BFSI sector (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance), which holds a 17 percent share.

In total, the sectors of Healthcare and Lifesciences, Engineering and Manufacturing, Consulting Services, and Telecom and Media make up roughly 19 percent of the overall GCCs in India, as highlighted in the report.

“India's prominent office markets continue to present a strong value proposition for GCCs, characterized by competitive costs, a skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, progressive policy incentives, and a favorable business climate,” remarked Shrinivas Rao, CEO of Vestian.

Nonetheless, choosing the right location is essential for the long-term success of any GCC, he added.

Bengaluru boasts the largest number of GCCs (487), representing 29 percent of the total in the country. Hyderabad has emerged as the fastest-growing GCC hub with 273 GCCs. The NCR region has 272 GCCs, Mumbai has 207, while Pune houses 178 GCCs.

GCCs have significantly evolved since their inception in the 1990s, as companies began utilizing offshore locations for cost-effective operations and a skilled workforce.

Initially focused on IT support and back-office services, GCCs have transformed into centers for innovation, research, and development, with their global count reaching approximately 3,200 centres, according to the report.

Point of View

India's positioning as a hub for Global Capability Centres highlights its growing influence in the global economy. However, the emphasis on strategic location selection and sectoral growth is crucial for sustaining this momentum. The nation must continue to enhance its infrastructure and workforce skills to maintain its competitive edge.
NationPress
05/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Global Capability Centres?
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are specialized centers established by multinational corporations to leverage local resources, talent, and cost efficiencies for various business operations like IT, R&D, and customer support.
Which Indian cities have the most GCCs?
The cities with the highest number of GCCs in India include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Pune, which collectively account for 94 percent of all GCCs in the country.
What is the expected growth of GCCs in India?
The total number of GCCs in India is projected to exceed 2,100 by FY28, with an expected annual growth rate of 8 percent.
Which sector leads in the establishment of GCCs?
The IT sector is the leading contributor to the number of GCCs in India, accounting for approximately 49 percent, followed by the BFSI sector at 17 percent.
How have GCCs evolved over time?
Since their emergence in the 1990s, GCCs have evolved from focusing primarily on IT support and back-office services to becoming hubs for innovation and research.