India has solidified its position as the “GCC Capital of the World,” hosting the largest base of global capability centres (GCCs) at 17% of the global total. According to a report by Nasscom and Zinnov, the GCC market in India is projected to reach $99-105 billion by 2030, up from $65 billion in FY2024. This growth is expected to create significant employment opportunities, with the workforce expanding from the current 1.9 million to 2.8 million people by 2030.
The rapid evolution of GCCs in India has been remarkable, with over 400 new GCCs and 1,100 new centers established between FY2019 and FY2024. This growth has brought the total number of GCCs to over 1,700. These centers have transformed from operational hubs into strategic drivers of innovation and growth, with over 90% functioning as multi-functional units supporting technology, operations, and product engineering.
The maturity of Indian GCCs is evident, with 53% reaching advanced stages of portfolio and transformation hub status. This progression has positioned them to lead global agendas, secure critical managerial roles, and shape decision-making processes. The focus on digital capabilities, engineering excellence, and advanced technology solutions has been a key factor in this evolution.
While large enterprises initially drove GCC growth, mid-market companies and unicorns are increasingly establishing centers in India. Currently, around 40 global unicorns have a GCC presence in the country. The geographic distribution of GCCs is diversifying, with over 220 units now located in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. However, Bangalore and the National Capital Region (NCR) still account for 47% of the IT talent in India’s GCC ecosystem.
The Engineering and Research and Development (ER&D) segment of GCCs has shown particularly strong growth, contributing $36.4 billion in revenue and growing 1.3 times faster than the overall GCC growth rate. This sector is focusing on next-generation technologies, with industries such as aerospace, defense, and semiconductors, establishing a significant presence.
Indian GCCs are increasingly developing expertise in cutting-edge technologies. The country now hosts a talent pool of over 120,000 AI professionals, with 30% of AI Centers of Excellence located in software and internet GCCs. Other areas of focus include full-stack development, Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity.
The global impact of Indian GCCs is evident in the expansion of global roles, with over 6,500 such positions established in the past five years. Nearly a quarter of global engineering roles are now based in India, and semiconductor firms and tech multinationals are increasingly setting up product teams in the country.
Looking ahead, experts predict that by 2030, around 70% of Fortune 500 companies will be expanding their presence in India. This growth is expected to further cement India’s position as a critical hub for global technology advancement and innovation. The GCC sector is poised to play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and sustainable business practices on a global scale.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
