GCC Industry Brief Feb 2025 Inductus
GCC Industry Brief Feb 2025 Inductus
25
INDUSTRY BRIEF
www.inductusgcc.com
Table of
Content
01 Executive Summary 03
02 Genesis of a Powerhouse 04
08 Breaking Barriers 15
10 Conclusion 17
11 References 18
Executive
Summary
India’s Global Capability Center (GCC) ecosystem has undergone a transformative journey—from cost-
centric offshore support units to high-value strategic hubs driving global innovation, digital
transformation, and enterprise-wide decision-making.
Presently, India hosts over 1,800 GCCs, employing approximately 1.9 million professionals, with forecasts predicting
this figure to reach 2.8 million by FY 2030. The market size is anticipated to grow from $64.6 billion in FY 2024 to
$110 billion by FY 2030, with a CAGR of about 14%.
The mid-1990s and early 2000s marked the establishment of captive centers primarily for IT and BPO functions such
as data processing, document management, & customer care, with major players such as Microsoft and Cisco. Around
2012, the utilization of the talent pool was improved to focus on developing R&D capabilities, analytics, and
engineering services.
Currently, the GCC landscape is in its maturity phase, where they are exploring new markets, concentrating on
overseeing value-added, essential business operations while taking responsibility for both business and technological
aspects. MNCs such as BlackRock, Carl Zeiss, and Sanofi set up their GCCs. A significant portion of new GCCs is
coming from the software and internet sector, followed by BFSI, chemicals, materials, and retail verticals.
The transformational shift, which is rapidly changing business dynamics, supports technological advancements,
talent and workforce excellence, regulatory and compliance support, and hybrid work models. Key market trends
include the increasing adoption of generative AI, which is projected to boost productivity in India's $254 billion IT
industry by up to 45% over the next five years.
The Indian government has played a pivotal role in fostering this growth through initiatives such as the establishment
of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), offering tax incentives and infrastructure support to attract foreign investment.
Programs like "Make in India" and state-level policies are critically contributing to the growth of GCC establishment
in the country.
Major players like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro are at the forefront, leveraging GCCs to drive
innovation and operational efficiency. The strategic importance of GCCs is underscored by their role in enhancing
customer service, reducing costs, and promoting revenue growth for MNCs.
Genesis of a
Powerhouse
India’s GCC Revolution
The mid-1990s and early 2000s marked the earliest stage of setting up GCCs as captive centers.
Major corporations such as Microsoft, Cisco, and General Electric established centers to capitalize on cost
efficiencies, skilled talent availability, and favorable government policies.
Initially, these centers focused on transactional and back-office functions, such as data processing, finance
& accounting, customer support, and IT maintenance.
Inductus GCC 04
India’s GCC
Landscape Snapshot
1200
1085+
1000
800
600
475+
400
200 140+
0
USA EMEA APAC
America grabs the largest share among major countries that have set up their GCCs in India. However, non-US
GCCs are growing at a CAGR of 6.8%, nearly twice the growth rate of US firms.
India’s GCC ecosystem offers an unparalleled value proposition, one that is poised to redefine global enterprise
operations in the decades ahead.
Inductus GCC 05
Who’s Leading
The Charge?
India reigns as the GCC Capital of the World, driven by its vast tech talent, cost efficiency, and pro-business
policies. At its core, Bengaluru stands as the global epicenter, hosting the largest concentration of GCCs and
shaping the future of enterprise innovation.
This boom is no longer restricted to IT services—industries including banking & financial services (BFSI),
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and retail are now leading the GCC wave.
Microsoft has aggressively expanded its GCC presence in India, focusing on cloud computing, AI development,
and cybersecurity research.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a record $3 billion investment in India to expand Azure Cloud, AI
infrastructure, and skilling initiatives, solidifying the company's digital leadership.
Cisco's Bangalore GCC—its largest development center outside the U.S.—houses over 15,000 employees, working
on AI-driven networking, cybersecurity, and 5G infrastructure.
BlackRock Inc., one of the world's largest asset management companies, is expanding in India with 1,200 new hires at
its Mumbai and Gurugram hubs, focusing on AI-driven investment research, risk management, and financial
analytics.
Carl Zeiss, a German optics and optoelectronics company, opened its GCC in Bengaluru to enhance its digital
transformation and research initiatives. The GCC will focus on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network
operations while also advancing software solutions for Carl Zeiss Meditec AG's medical technology division.
Sanofi, a French multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company, is expanding its GCC in Hyderabad with a
€400 million investment over six years, including €100 million by 2025. The hub will grow to 2,600 employees,
making it the largest of Sanofi’s four global centers.
Lowe’s, an elite American retail multinational, has established a key technology and business services hub in
Bangalore, India, focusing on software development, analytics, and product management to support Lowe's global
operations.
RTX Corp., an American aerospace giant formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, has opened a "Digital Capability
Center" in Bengaluru to drive innovation through its Pratt & Whitney division, tapping into India's tech talent.
The GCC Goldmine: Industry Breakdown & Investments
FinTech, Risk
TCS, Wipro, JPMorgan
BFSI $1.5B Management, Digital
Chase, Citibank
Banking
Drug Discovery, AI in
Pharmaceuticals &
Sanofi, Indus Pharma $0.437B Healthcare,
Healthcare
Bioinformatics
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
IT & Semiconductors BFSI Aerospace Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Optical Technology
Key
IT Insights:
& Semiconductors Lead—$2.2B investment, driven by Lam Research ($1.2B) and NXP ($1B), reinforcing
India’s role in global tech and semiconductor innovation.
BFSI as a High-Value Hub—$1.5B investment highlights India's strength in financial innovation, digital
banking, and risk management.
Aerospace Expansion—$1B investment from RTX Corp, positioning India as a key player in aviation, defense,
and R&D.
Pharmaceutical Growth—$437M investment by Sanofi, strengthening India’s role in biopharma and clinical
research.
Optical Tech & Precision Engineering—$500M investment (Carl Zeiss AG), boosting high-tech manufacturing
and medical optics.
Inductus GCC 07
The Disruption
Engine
Tech Trends Reshaping GCCs
This increase stems from AI’s ability to automate content creation, customer interactions, and code
development, reducing time spent on repetitive work. By adopting AI-driven solutions, businesses gain
significant cost savings and operational efficiency.
For GCCs, generative AI shifts labor-intensive functions to automated processes, positioning GCCs as
innovation hubs rather than cost-focused units, driving strategic value and competitiveness.
Source: McKinsey
08
Cloud, Cybersecurity & Data-Driven Decision-
Automation: The New Making: Analytics as the
Digital Trinity GCC Lifecycle
As businesses digitize, the convergence of cloud By leveraging advanced analytics and predictive
computing, cybersecurity, and automation is models, GCCs optimize decision-making, improve
vital for scaling, securing, and optimizing customer experiences, and enhance innovation,
operations. making data a critical driver of efficiency and
growth.
A Gartner report forecasts global cloud
infrastructure spending will reach $590 billion Companies leveraging advanced data analytics
by 2026, emphasizing its role in scaling GCCs. see a 15-20% boost in operational efficiency,
Fortune 500 data shows that 68% of using insights to optimize everything from
organizations plan to boost cybersecurity customer service to supply chain management.
budgets in 2025, focusing on threat intelligence,
secure access management, and real-time Over 55% of GCCs now view data analytics as a
monitoring. core component of their digital strategy,
establishing mature data practices to drive
Meanwhile, IDC expects global spending on efficiency and innovation.
business process automation to exceed $85
billion by 2027, driven by RPA and AI workflows.
The convergence of generative AI, cloud, and automation is redefining the strategic role
of GCCs, driving unparalleled efficiency and innovation. Data-driven insights will
remain the cornerstone of their future transformation.
Inductus GCC 09
The India
Advantage
Why the World is Betting Big on GCCs?
Armed with deep technical prowess, a vibrant talent ecosystem, and a rapidly evolving work culture, India has
transcended its role as a preferred GCC destination—it is now an indispensable strategic hub for global
enterprises striving for sustained digital excellence.
Telecom &
Mumbai Navi Mumbai Pune Gurugram
Media
Professional
Mumbai Gurugram Bengaluru Hyderabad Pune
Services
For multinational corporations, setting up a Global Capability Center in India is now a strategic necessity, not
just a cost-saving measure. India's unique blend of advanced technology expertise, digital-first infrastructure,
favorable policies, and a rich STEM talent pool positions it as a high-value hub for innovation, far surpassing
its traditional role as an offshore destination.
Inductus GCC 11
Policy Power
Plays
The Government’s Strategic Advantage
India's Global Capability Center ecosystem began as a wave of offshore captives in the 1990s and has now
solidified into an indispensable asset for multinational corporations (MNCs). India has emerged as the global
capital of GCC operations.
Income tax incentives include a 100% exemption on export profits for the
first five years, followed by a 50% exemption for the subsequent five years.
Additionally, reinvested export profits get a further 50% exemption for an
additional five-year period, encouraging long-term financial optimization for
eligible entities.
The Indian government permits 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in GCCs
across key sectors such as IT, banking, financial services, and healthcare,
enabling a seamless investment landscape.
State-Level Incentives: The
Growth Catalysts
Inductus GCC 13
Tamil Nadu: Strong Government Support for GCCs
Chennai has established itself as a premier destination
for GCCs, driven by progressive state-level policies
that promote IT and R&D expansion.
To accommodate rising demand, new business parks
are being developed across Chennai, Coimbatore, and
Madurai, strengthening the state's innovation
ecosystem.
Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government supports
GCC operations by offering subsidized power, with a
strong emphasis on renewable energy integration,
reinforcing the state's commitment to sustainable
infrastructure.
FRIEND OR FOE?
India’s regulatory framework presents both opportunities and complexities, requiring strategic navigation. To
strengthen its business-friendly environment, the government has implemented key reforms, including corporate
tax reductions and concessional tax regimes, enhancing competitiveness and ease of operations.
A series of national and state-level policies have been introduced to accelerate the expansion of Global Capability
Centers (GCCs) at scale. The “Make in India” initiative, a cornerstone of India’s economic transformation, has
evolved beyond its initial focus on manufacturing to encompass key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and
financial services. By promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) and streamlining regulatory frameworks, this
initiative has significantly enhanced India’s attractiveness as a global hub for GCCs.
Further reinforcing this growth trajectory is the “India@2047 vision," which aspires to position the country as a
$30 trillion economy. GCCs are expected to play a pivotal role in this journey by driving job creation,
encouraging knowledge transfer, and advancing sustainability initiatives.
Complementary programs such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, PM GatiShakti, the National
Logistics Policy, and comprehensive tax reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) provide a strong
foundation for sustained economic expansion.
Collectively, these initiatives bolster India’s global competitiveness, stimulate employment opportunities, and
position the nation as a premier destination for high-value GCC operations.
Inductus GCC 14
Breaking
Barriers
The Dark Side of the Boom
Regulatory Headwinds: The Digital Personal Data Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Power outages,
Protection Act of 2023 mandates stricter data inconsistent internet bandwidth, and real estate
localization, consent-based processing, and penalties saturation in key hubs (Bengaluru, Hyderabad,
for non-compliance, forcing GCCs to revamp their Pune) are limiting the scalability of GCCs, pushing
data governance frameworks. expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Cross-border Complexity: With operations spanning Hybrid Work Conundrum: While hybrid models
multiple jurisdictions, GCCs must align with GDPR, enhance flexibility, they raise concerns around
CCPA, and sector-specific regulations, adding layers productivity, security, and engagement, requiring
of legal, financial, and operational risks. GCCs to reimagine workforce strategies.
Cybersecurity Threats: India witnessed a 32% Cost-efficiency vs. Overexpansion: Rapid growth
increase in cyberattacks on enterprises in 2023, comes with rising wage bills, compliance costs, and
making security investments imperative. GCCs are operational inefficiencies, prompting a strategic
accelerating zero-trust architecture, AI-driven threat rethink on sustainable scaling versus aggressive
detection, and enhanced compliance protocols to expansion.
mitigate risks.
Inductus GCC 15
GCCs in 2030 &
Beyond
The AI-Powered, Hyper-Automated Future
AI-Driven Transformation
Inductus GCC 16
Conclusion
India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have undergone a remarkable evolution that has been propelled
by next-generation technologies, an unparalleled talent ecosystem, and a supportive regulatory
landscape, making India the preferred hub for global enterprises.
As the sector continues to expand, with projections pointing toward 620+ GCCs from Forbes Global
2000 companies by 2030, the next frontier will be defined by AI-driven automation, deep-tech
specialization, and leadership in high-value decision-making. India’s GCCs are no longer just execution
centers; they are becoming mission-critical hubs for global business innovation.
However, sustained success will require navigating regulatory complexities, talent retention challenges,
and geopolitical shifts. The path ahead will be shaped by collaborative ecosystems between enterprises,
policymakers, and academia, ensuring that India remains the nerve center of global enterprises.
Looking beyond 2030, India’s GCCs will not just be participants but architects of the global business
landscape—setting the blueprint for innovation, efficiency, and leadership in the digital era
Inductus GCC 17
Reference
List
Government of India. (2024). *Sector-wise distribution of approved Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as of 30.04.2024*.
Retrieved from Sector_wise_distribution_of_SEZs.pdf
Gartner. (2024). *Global cloud infrastructure spending is forecast to reach $590 billion by 2026*. Retrieved from
https://www.gartner.com
IDC. (2024). *Global spending on business process automation is expected to exceed $85 billion by 2027*. Retrieved from
https://www.idc.com
Karnataka Government. (2024). GCC Policy for 2024-2029: Establishing 1,000 GCCs, creating 3.5 million jobs, and driving
$50 billion in economic output by 2029.
McKinsey & Company. (2024). *Generative AI to boost productivity in India's IT industry by 43%-45% over the next five
years*. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com
Microsoft. (2024). *Announcement of $3 billion investment in India for Azure Cloud, AI infrastructure, and skilling
initiatives*. Retrieved from https://news.microsoft.com
Sanofi. (2024). *Investment of €400 million in Hyderabad GCC over six years, expanding the workforce to 2,600
employees*. Retrieved from https://www.sanofi.com
Telangana Government. (2024). *Telangana’s IT and GCC policies are driving ease of business, tax incentives, and digital
infrastructure growth*. Retrieved from Times of India (TOI).
Cisco. (2024). *Expansion of Bangalore GCC as the largest development center outside the U.S., housing over 15,000
employees*. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com
BlackRock Inc. (2024). *Establishment of GCC in Mumbai and Gurugram with 1,200 new hires focusing on AI-driven
investment research*. Retrieved from https://www.blackrock.com
Carl Zeiss AG. (2024). *Opening of GCC in Bengaluru for digital transformation and medical technology research*.
Retrieved from https://www.zeiss.com
RTX Corp. (2024). *Launch of Digital Capability Center in Bengaluru to drive innovation through Pratt & Whitney
division*. Retrieved from https://www.rtx.com
Andhra Pradesh Government. (2024). *GCC Policy offering financial incentives, including up to 25% capital investment
reimbursements*. Retrieved from Lexology.
Tamil Nadu Government. (2024). *Progressive state-level policies promoting IT and R&D expansion in Chennai,
Coimbatore, and Madurai.
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). (2024). *Tax incentives for GCCs operating in GIFT City, including a
10-year tax holiday on profits from financial services operations*. Retrieved from https://www.giftcity.in
Make in India Initiative. (2024). *Promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI) and streamlining regulatory frameworks
across key sectors*. Retrieved from https://www.makeinindia.com
India@2047 Vision. (2024). *Aspiration to position India as a $30 trillion economy by 2047, with GCCs playing a pivotal
role*. Retrieved from Government of India Economic Vision Document.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes. (2024). *Comprehensive framework to boost manufacturing and innovation
in India*. Retrieved from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act. (2023). *Stricter data localization and consent-based processing mandates for
GCCs*. Retrieved from Indian Parliament Legislation.
National Logistics Policy. (2024). *Strengthening logistics infrastructure to support GCC operations and scalability*.
Retrieved from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India.
Inductus GCC 18
What We
Do
India’s Leading GCC Enabler
In absolute brief, we do Consulting & Advisory; once that is done, we take care of Tech, Talent & Infra
past that, we ensure Ecosystem Collaborations (academy, vendor, logistics partnerships).
Inductus’ GCC Services could be bifurcated in three subets designed to provide businesses with
flexibility, scalability, and operational excellence. Each model is tailored to meet the unique
requirements of our clients, ensuring seamless integration with their business case and operational
frameworks.
Services Models
Why Inductus?
Our deep expertise in GCCs, coupled with a strong network of industry partnerships and policy-level
advisory, positions us as a trusted partner for driving transformational outcomes. We help
organizations seamlessly navigate their GCC journey—from ideation to execution.
www.inductusgcc.com