India To Remain A Leading Hub For Global Capability Centres: PwC Report

The report stated, "India will continue to be a premier destination for setting up GCCs, with global companies committed to maintaining their presence in the country"

The report described them as "cost-conscious innovators" that are now key to India's transformation into a global digital powerhouse

Source : Pexels

India is set to retain its stronghold as a prime location for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), according to a recent report by PwC. Despite evolving global business trends and operational shifts, the country remains a preferred destination for international firms looking to expand their footprint.

The report reveals that fewer than one in four business leaders are considering relocating their GCC operations outside India. Instead, the focus has shifted towards scaling up these centres and transforming them into global sourcing powerhouses, particularly through advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

“India will continue to be a premier destination for setting up GCCs, with global companies committed to maintaining their presence in the country,” the report affirms.

150+ New GCCs Expected

India is poised to witness significant growth in its GCC landscape, with over 150 new centres projected to be established in the near future. This anticipated expansion underscores the need for infrastructure development at both national and state levels to support and sustain this upward trajectory.

“The national and state governments therefore need to intensify investments in infrastructural development to bolster the Indian GCC landscape,” the report highlights.

Industry Feedback for Policy Improvements

Business leaders from global headquarters and Indian-based GCCs have proposed various recommendations to further enhance India’s attractiveness as a GCC hub. These include improvements in ease of doing business, better regulatory frameworks, and robust technology infrastructure.

From Cost Centres To Innovation Engines

Over time, Indian GCCs have evolved beyond their traditional cost-saving roles to become centres of excellence, driving innovation and offering multifunctional services. Today, they are integral to their parent companies’ global strategies.

Describing them as “cost-conscious innovators,” the report emphasises their contribution to India's emergence as a major digital economy.

Potential For Accelerated Value Growth

Currently, Indian GCCs are forecasted to deliver a value growth of 11–12 per cent from FY25 to FY29. However, with the right policy actions and infrastructure investments, this figure could climb to 14–15%, pushing the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) up by 3–4 percentage points.

The findings paint a promising picture of India’s role in the global GCC framework and underscore the importance of continued governmental support to ensure this momentum translates into long-term gains.