Over the past decade, India has firmly established itself as the preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). With over 1,600 GCCs already operational and contributing significantly to global innovation, the country’s appeal goes far beyond cost savings. For companies looking to expand their footprint, enhance capabilities, and secure a competitive edge, India offers an unmatched proposition.

1. Access to a Vast and Skilled Talent Pool

India is home to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic professional workforces, with over 5 million people employed in technology and knowledge services. GCCs in India can tap into a talent base that spans software engineering, finance, analytics, design, R&D, and more. The diversity of skills, coupled with high English proficiency, enables companies to build teams that can operate seamlessly with global counterparts. This depth of talent is a primary reason why multinational enterprises from sectors like banking, retail, and manufacturing have chosen India for their capability centres.

2. Strategic Time-Zone and Geographic Advantage

India's time zone (GMT+5:30) enables teams in North America, Europe, and the Middle East to work for extended periods of time. This makes it possible for many companies to operate around the clock without adding more shifts at their current headquarters. When paired with India's extensive digital and physical infrastructure, GCCs can work together in real time, expedite project completion, and continue running global operations.

3. Significant Cost Efficiency Without Compromising Quality

Cost effectiveness is still a priority, but lower salaries are no longer the only aspect of the story. When compared to similar teams in developed countries, GCCs in India can save operating costs by 30 to 50% while still meeting or surpassing international quality standards. The availability of top-notch infrastructure, cutting-edge IT systems, and a competitive vendor ecosystem all contribute to this advantage, which enables businesses to get more value for their money.

4. A Thriving Innovation and Technology Ecosystem

India is no longer just a delivery centre; it’s a hub of innovation. According to industry estimates, nearly 50% of GCCs in India now focus on advanced work such as artificial intelligence, product engineering, automation, and data science. The country’s vibrant start-up ecosystem, close collaboration between industry and academia, and increasing R&D investments create fertile ground for capability centres to evolve into innovation engines.

5. Supportive Regulatory and Policy Framework

The Indian government actively encourages foreign investment through initiatives like “Make in India” and policies that simplify business incorporation, streamline compliance processes, and offer incentives for setting up in emerging hubs. The presence of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and state-level industrial policies further reduces friction for new GCC entrants. This stable, pro-business environment has been a key factor in the rapid growth of GCCs across the country.

6. Scalability and Multi-City Opportunities

From Tier-1 cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune to emerging Tier-2 hubs such as Coimbatore and Jaipur, India offers a wide choice of locations to match different operational strategies. Companies can start small and scale rapidly — adding functions, teams, or even multiple locations — without facing talent shortages or prohibitive costs. This scalability makes India uniquely positioned to support both early-stage and mature GCC strategies.

Thus, setting up a GCC in India is no longer just about operational savings; it’s about unlocking strategic value. With its skilled talent pool, cost advantages, innovation ecosystem, and pro-business environment, India empowers companies to build capability centres that not only support global operations but also shape the future of their industries. With the right partner — one that understands local compliance, talent dynamics, and operational excellence — the journey from concept to a thriving GCC can be faster, smoother, and more impactful than ever before.