The big boom: How India’s GCC story hits 2030 target 4 years early

India's Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem is experiencing remarkable growth, exceeding prior forecasts and achieving a revenue of approximately $98.4 billion in FY26. This impressive figure brings the sector close to the $100 billion milestone that was initially projected for 2030, indicating that India is set to meet its goal nearly four years ahead of schedule. Currently, the country is home to 2,117 GCCs, employing around 2.36 million professionals. Over the past five years, the landscape has expanded significantly, with more than 500 new GCCs established and over 1,000 additional units launched, demonstrating the rapid growth of multinational companies operating in India. This expansion is attributed to a fundamental shift in the function of GCCs within global enterprises. Traditionally viewed as back-office support centers, these facilities are now evolving into pivotal command centers for multinational corporations. The FY26 report underscores a transition from conventional support roles to areas focused on AI-driven innovation, engineering, product development, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation. Furthermore, Indian GCCs are assuming higher-value functions within global operations, encompassing research and development, digital platforms, and strategic decision-making processes. Notably, India has emerged as the second-largest employer of enterprise AI talent worldwide, contributing nearly 28% of the global GCC AI workforce, trailing only the United States. The demand for AI professionals in India has surged, particularly in the latter half of FY25, outpacing growth in the US. Another significant aspect of the GCC ecosystem is the increasing collaboration between enterprises and the broader innovation network. The report highlights that leading GCCs are forging deeper partnerships with service providers, academic institutions, startups, skilling platforms, and industry organizations to enhance orchestration and drive large-scale innovation. As AI, engineering, and digital transformation take center stage in global business strategies, India’s GCC ecosystem is rapidly evolving from a cost-arbitrage destination to a vital hub for innovation and capabilities for global enterprises.