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March 28, 2025

A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up a Global Capability Center (GCC) in India

March 31, 2025

Published by iValuePlus Services on March 28, 2025

Why India is Becoming the Prime Destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs)

In recent years, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have become a key growth driver for multinational companies. These centers, which serve as offshore hubs for delivering IT, R&D, finance, HR, and other business services, are increasingly being established in India. The country’s skilled workforce, cost efficiency, and digital transformation capabilities make it an attractive destination for setting up and expanding GCCs.

As more global enterprises recognize India’s potential, the country is solidifying its position as the prime destination for GCCs. This article explores the factors fueling this trend and why India is the preferred choice for Global Capability Centers.

What are Global Capability Centers (GCCs)?

Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are offshore units or captives set up by multinational corporations to handle their core business operations. These centers offer services like:

IT and software development

Research and development (R&D)

Customer support and contact centers

Data analytics and business intelligence

Finance and accounting services

Human resources and talent management

GCCs help companies centralize operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency by leveraging global talent pools.

Why India is the Prime Destination for GCCs

A. Skilled Talent Pool and Growing Workforce

One of the biggest advantages of establishing Global Capability Centers in India is access to a highly skilled talent pool. The country produces over 1.5 million engineering graduates annually, along with a steady influx of management and business professionals.

Tech-savvy workforce: India’s IT and software expertise makes it ideal for GCCs focused on technology and digital transformation.

Cost-effective talent: Hiring skilled professionals in India is significantly more affordable compared to Western countries, without compromising on quality.

Strong English proficiency: India’s workforce offers seamless communication, making it easier for global companies to collaborate and deliver services efficiently.

B. Cost Efficiency and Operational Savings

India offers cost-effective operational models that make it a lucrative option for setting up GCCs.

Lower infrastructure costs: Real estate and office expenses in India are significantly lower than in the US, UK, or European nations.

Affordable labor costs: Companies can hire highly qualified talent at competitive salaries, enabling them to scale operations cost-effectively.

Reduced administrative expenses: Outsourcing to India allows organizations to reduce overhead costs, such as HR management, payroll, and compliance.

C. Robust Technological Infrastructure

India’s growing technology ecosystem makes it an ideal destination for GCCs.

IT and digital expertise: India is home to major IT hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram, offering access to cutting-edge technology infrastructure.

Cloud and AI adoption: Indian GCCs are at the forefront of cloud adoption, AI, and machine learning, enhancing operational efficiency and innovation.

Government support: Initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and Make in India encourage foreign investment, making it easier for companies to set up and scale GCCs.

D. Favorable Regulatory Environment

India’s business-friendly policies make it a conducive destination for Global Capability Centers.

Relaxed FDI norms: The Indian government has eased foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations, enabling seamless entry for global companies.

Tax benefits and incentives: Many state governments offer tax breaks and financial incentives to encourage the establishment of GCCs.

Ease of business operations: India’s improved Ease of Doing Business ranking demonstrates its growing appeal to multinational corporations.

E. Scalability and Flexibility

India offers unmatched scalability and flexibility for GCCs.

Access to a vast talent pool: Companies can easily scale their operations due to the abundance of skilled professionals.

Flexible business models: Indian service providers offer customized solutions tailored to the needs of individual businesses, making GCC operations highly adaptable.

Agility in operations: GCCs in India can quickly expand or pivot their service offerings to align with changing business needs.

Advantages of Partnering with Indian GCC Providers

Many global companies collaborate with Indian-based service providers to set up and manage their GCC operations. Partnering with local experts offers several benefits:

Domain expertise: Indian service providers have deep expertise in IT, R&D, and digital transformation.

Proven track record: India hosts established GCC service providers with years of experience delivering global business solutions.

Compliance and security: Indian companies adhere to international compliance standards, ensuring data security and regulatory adherence.

Industries Leveraging GCCs in India

Several industries are increasingly outsourcing their operations to Global Capability Centers in India, including:

IT and Software Development: Tech giants leverage Indian GCCs for software engineering, testing, and support services.

Finance and Accounting: Many financial institutions set up finance GCCs to manage global accounting and compliance processes.

Healthcare and Pharma: GCCs in India provide R&D, data analysis, and clinical trial management services for global healthcare companies.

E-commerce and Retail: Retail giants use GCCs for customer service, data analytics, and supply chain management.

Future Outlook: The Growing Demand for GCCs in India

The GCC market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11-13% over the next five years.

Increased digital adoption: With companies shifting towards cloud, AI, and automation, India’s GCCs are poised to play a major role in driving global digital transformation.

Expansion of service portfolios: GCCs are expanding beyond traditional IT and customer support to include data science, cybersecurity, and AI-driven services.

Long-term sustainability: India’s GCC ecosystem is evolving to offer sustainable, long-term business models for global enterprises.

Conclusion

India’s skilled talent pool, cost efficiency, technological capabilities, and business-friendly environment make it the prime destination for setting up Global Capability Centers. As multinational corporations continue to outsource core business functions to India, the country’s dominance in the GCC market will continue to grow.

By partnering with experienced Indian service providers, global companies can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation through strategically located GCCs in India.

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