Extending its lead over other countries, India topped management consulting firm A.T. Kearney’s 2017 Global Services Location Index for the eighth consecutive year since its inception in 2004. Currently there are 200 multinational corporations operating in India and 1.1 million employees in Business Process Outsourcing, though the sector does face challenges from automation.
Live Mint reports that the index is based on metrics in three categories: financial attractiveness, people skills and availability, and business environment. Asian countries continue to dominate the Index with China and Malaysia at second and third spots, while Indonesia rose one place to rank fourth.
According to Kearney, India’s overall financial competitiveness is due to the English-speaking skilled labor that none of the other low-cost countries can match, as well as an improved policy environment.
Ajay Gupta, partner at A.T. Kearney India, said, “Its [India’s] attractiveness as a global services destination continues to increase with its growing cost advantage against the United States, and the improving performance of Indian students on standardized tests.”
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
