Why do over 1,500 global enterprises—from Google to Goldman Sachs—choose India as the launchpad for their Global Capability Centers (GCCs)?
It’s not just about cost anymore. India has quietly transformed into a strategic talent powerhouse that fuels global innovation, analytics, engineering, and tech operations. Whether it’s scaling AI teams, building fintech platforms, or managing global IT infrastructure, India’s workforce is no longer just “available”—it’s specialized, agile, and future-ready.
With more than 1.5 million engineering graduates entering the job market each year and a rapidly growing pool of niche-skilled professionals in cybersecurity, data science, and cloud engineering, India offers unmatched talent depth for companies.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly why India continues to lead the global GCC game—and why it’s still the best bet for building a high-performing, scalable, and sustainable global tech team.
Why India Remains the Undisputed Talent Hub for Global Capability Centers
India has moved far beyond being just a low-cost destination. With a steady supply of highly skilled engineers, digital specialists, and product leaders, it has become the go-to market for building strategic global teams.
GCCs here don’t just support—they innovate, scale, and lead. Let’s look at what makes India the top choice for companies setting up capability centers that drive real impact.
India’s Talent Pool Is Deep, Diverse, and Digital-First
Each year, over 1.5 million engineers graduate from Indian universities, many with hands-on experience in the exact technologies global teams are scaling: full-stack development, DevOps, AI/ML, cloud infrastructure, and data engineering.
What’s more impressive? These aren’t just junior coders.
The country also boasts over 4.5 million experienced IT professionals, with a growing number specializing in cybersecurity, product management, and digital transformation.
The surge in tech upskilling platforms like Scaler, Great Learning, and Coursera—with thousands of Indian learners earning credentials in cloud, AI, and analytics—means the talent here isn’t static. It’s evolving in real time to meet enterprise demands.
If you’re building a future-ready global team, India offers a pipeline of professionals who are not only technically sound but also globally aware, fluent in English, and aligned with agile and product-first mindsets.
Cost-Effective Without Cutting Corners
India offers one of the rare combinations that every global company wants: affordability and excellence.
Hiring a highly skilled software engineer in India can cost 40–60% less than in the US or Europe, but that doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. Indian professionals are known for delivering enterprise-grade work and often bring experience working with global clients through IT service firms or product startups.
This cost efficiency allows companies to build larger teams, experiment with new capabilities, and accelerate product development timelines without ballooning budgets. For growing GCCs, this means more flexibility and faster scale—both critical in today’s fast-moving tech landscape.
World-Class STEM Education and Upskilling Momentum
Institutions like IITs, NITs, and BITS Pilani are globally respected for producing engineers who go on to lead innovation at Google, Meta, and Amazon. But beyond the big names, hundreds of regional universities and private institutes are also producing skilled graduates across disciplines like software engineering, data science, and electronics.
What’s even more encouraging is the culture of continuous learning. India’s tech talent is constantly upskilling through platforms like Scaler, upGrad, and Coursera, often earning certifications in trending areas like GenAI, DevOps, and data engineering.
Government initiatives like Skill India and Digital India have further fueled this learning ecosystem, making the Indian workforce future-ready by design.
Trusted by the World’s Leading Enterprises
Major players like Microsoft, Walmart, Goldman Sachs, and Shell have established large-scale capability centers here, many of which are responsible for building entire product lines, managing global IT operations, and leading data science initiatives.
These aren’t isolated cases. In fact, India is now home to over 1,500 active GCCs, employing more than 1.6 million professionals. Many of these centers have evolved from support roles to becoming core strategic arms of global businesses.
This proven track record reassures new entrants that India isn’t just a safe bet—it’s the smart one.
Tier-2 Cities Are Unlocking New Talent Pools
GCCs are no longer confined to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Pune.
A quiet revolution is underway in tier-2 cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, and Nagpur, where local governments are building IT parks, improving digital infrastructure, and offering incentives to attract tech investments.
These cities offer access to fresh talent, lower attrition rates, and lower operational costs. Many companies are setting up satellite centers or adopting hybrid models that allow them to tap into these emerging hubs while staying connected to larger metros.
For GCCs looking to expand sustainably, tier-2 cities provide a compelling path to scale without saturation.
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Infrastructure That Supports Scale and Speed
With 5G rollout accelerating, access to high-speed internet is no longer limited to urban centers. Most tech parks and SEZs (Special Economic Zones) now offer plug-and-play facilities, robust power backup, and seamless connectivity—making it easier than ever to set up and scale operations.
Cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru boast world-class coworking campuses designed for innovation and collaboration. Plus, the government’s investment in smart cities and logistics is ensuring smoother access to remote regions and better quality of life for professionals.
For global companies, this means faster go-live, fewer delays, and a smoother journey from setup to scale.
Government Support That Makes Expansion Easier
From tax breaks to simplified compliance, the Indian government has been proactive in attracting global companies to build and grow here.
Policies like 100% FDI in IT and BPO sectors, along with state-level incentives such as land subsidies, recruitment assistance, and capital grants, are creating a favorable environment for GCC growth.
Several state governments also run single-window clearance systems to fast-track approvals for infrastructure and hiring. Initiatives like Startup India and Make in India complement GCC expansion by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilling.
The result? A smoother, faster, and more supportive experience for companies looking to set up operations in India.
Seamless Collaboration Across Time Zones and Cultures
India’s global edge also comes from its ability to collaborate effectively.
With English proficiency among the highest in Asia, Indian tech teams integrate seamlessly with their counterparts in the US, UK, and Europe. Whether it’s daily standups, client calls, or cross-border brainstorming, communication is rarely a hurdle.
India’s time zone advantage also enables round-the-clock development and support. While US teams wind down, Indian teams pick up tasks, ensuring faster turnarounds and continuous progress.
As remote work becomes a norm, Indian professionals are already seasoned in working across cultures, tools, and virtual setups, making them ideal for distributed GCC models.
Conclusion
With millions of skilled professionals, a growing ecosystem of digital and deep-tech expertise, and increasing government support, India offers a unique mix of scale, quality, and cost-efficiency that few other countries can match.
What truly sets India apart is how quickly its workforce evolves. From AI and product engineering to cybersecurity and cloud, Indian professionals are upskilling rapidly and driving innovation for some of the world’s largest enterprises.
Add to that the emergence of tier-2 cities, modern infrastructure, and cultural alignment with global work practices, and it’s clear: India isn’t just ready for your next GCC—it’s ready to lead it.
If your organization is looking to build a long-term, future-proof capability center, India offers the strongest foundation to grow with confidence.
FAQs
What is a Global Capability Center (GCC)?
A GCC is an offshore unit that handles critical business functions like IT, product development, analytics, or R&D for a global company. It operates as an extension of the parent company’s core team.
Why are so many GCCs being set up in India?
India offers a large, skilled, and English-speaking workforce, strong STEM education, competitive costs, and government support—making it ideal for global companies looking to scale talent without compromising quality.
Which Indian cities are best for setting up a GCC?
Popular tier-1 hubs include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. Tier-2 cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, and Bhubaneswar are gaining traction due to lower costs, improving infrastructure, and untapped talent.
How does talent in India compare with other offshore destinations?
India leads in both volume and specialization. Its engineers and tech professionals are not only technically strong but also familiar with global workflows, agile methods, and emerging technologies like AI and cloud.
How can Supersourcing help companies build a GCC in India?
Supersourcing simplifies and accelerates the GCC setup process—from identifying the right talent and city, to building dedicated teams, ensuring compliance, and providing end-to-end operational support. We help you go live faster, smarter, and at scale.