India Set to Host 620+ New GCCs by 2030: ANSR Report

ANSR, one of India’s leading Global Capability Centres (GCCs) enablers, released its Q3 GCC Report, which highlights India’s ascension as a global hub for GCCs. 

Over 450 Forbes Global 2000 companies operate 825+ GCCs across the country, employing more than 1.3 million professionals. The report predicts that by 2030, India could host 620+ additional GCCs, representing over 32% of Forbes Global 2000 enterprises.

The robust GCC ecosystem in India thrives on its skilled workforce, supportive government policies, innovative startups, and a strong network of service providers. This combination positions India as a premier destination for global business innovation.

Bengaluru leads as the top GCC hub, hosting over 285 companies and employing 560,000 professionals. Hyderabad follows with 110+ GCCs and 190,000 employees, attracting interest due to its infrastructure, talent availability, and business-friendly policies. 

Non-metro cities like Ahmedabad, Vizag, Trivandrum, and Coimbatore are also emerging as preferred destinations for cost-effective operations and access to untapped talent pools.

The BFSI sector dominates, representing 18% of GCCs in India, followed by Manufacturing and Retail/CPG. Newly established GCCs are prioritising advanced digital capabilities, with 90% focusing on AI/ML and data analytics. 

Other priorities include cybersecurity (40%) and cloud capabilities (50%), signaling a shift towards innovation-driven operations.

GCC leasing activity surged in Q3 2024, accounting for 44% of total office leasing in India. Bengaluru captured 62% of this demand, followed by Hyderabad at 15%. Companies like Walmart, Sanofi, NatWest Group, and Flutter Entertainment have been key players in this expansion, leveraging India’s talent pool and infrastructure.

According to a report by CBRE, the year saw a gross absorption of 79.0 million sq ft, a 16% YoY growth. GCCs accounted for 37% of the total office leasing activity in 2024, solidifying their importance in India’s commercial real estate market. BFSI firms and technology companies contributed 44% of GCC leasing, showcasing their integral role in the office sector’s growth.

GCCs are evolving from operational support roles to becoming integral in global decision-making, fostering innovation through collaboration and partnerships. They are also exploring non-metro cities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh to benefit from lower operational costs and a favourable business environment.

Vikram Ahuja, co-founder of ANSR and CEO of Talent500, remarked, “Global Capability Centres are driving India’s growth story by leading the tech revolution across sectors through cutting-edge innovation. With a skilled workforce and emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity, India is set to accommodate 620+ new GCCs by 2030, creating opportunities for over 1.9 million professionals.”