India has become a rising star in the world of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) — home to over 1,800 GCCs, contributing significantly to digital innovation, R&D, AI, and global business services. But to fuel the next wave of growth, the country needs more than just momentum — it needs smarter policies, deeper coordination, and futuristic education reforms.
🌐 What’s Fueling India’s GCC Success?
According to Anuradha Thakur, Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), India’s rise as a global GCC powerhouse has been powered by:
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Strong digital and physical infrastructure
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Reforms in taxation, compliance, and approvals
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A vast and young talent pool (median age 28)
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The Digital India mission and sustained government support
These combined efforts have positioned India as a preferred destination for global enterprises setting up capability centers — particularly in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
📍 Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Telangana: Models of Early Success
States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have emerged as GCC magnets. Thakur pointed out the importance of studying these states to understand which early decisions in infrastructure, education, and policy helped them attract global players.
"Should we replicate these models or improve them further? Maybe both," she noted at the CII GCC Business Summit.
🎓 Skilling & Education: The Real Gamechanger
India produces 2.1 million STEM graduates annually, with 35% women contributing to the digital workforce. Yet, curriculum reform is now urgent.
Thakur called for:
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Introducing specialized engineering courses in ITIs
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Aligning college training with industry needs
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Faster rollout and promotion of schemes like the PM Internship Programme
Despite the potential of such schemes, Thakur revealed that slow decision-making has delayed industry adoption — a gap that needs to be fixed swiftly.
🏙️ GCCs Must Look Beyond Metros
Metro cities have led India's GCC growth. But now, it's time to think beyond Bengaluru or Hyderabad.
“There are Tier-2 cities with great human resources but few GCCs. With proper infrastructure, these can be cost-effective, competitive hubs,” she said.
State governments must step up with better support to decentralize tech growth and open new gateways of opportunity.
🌍 GCCs From Beyond the US: A New Opportunity
India’s current GCC ecosystem is largely driven by US-based companies. But as more businesses from Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East explore India, global outreach and investment attraction need to become a top priority.
Government and industry must now collaborate on:
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Strategic international promotion
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New investor-friendly policies
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Public-private partnerships for digital growth
🧠 Final Thoughts
India stands on the brink of a GCC revolution 2.0 — but it will take bold steps to sustain and accelerate this journey. Whether it’s curriculum upgrades, faster internships, or spreading the tech ecosystem to new cities — the path ahead needs intentional action, not just admiration of past success.
Let’s hope India doesn’t just ride the current wave — but builds the next one.
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