India's GCCs: From Backend Workhorses to AI-Powered Nerve Centers

India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are evolving from traditional delivery engines to strategic nerve centers, projecting a market revenue of USD 98.4 billion by 2026. This transformation is powered by AI integration, with 50% operating at high maturity and extensive collaborations with academia and startups.

India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are poised for a seismic shift, with projections suggesting a remarkable market revenue of USD 98.4 billion by financial year 2026, according to a recent Nasscom-Zinnov report. This burgeoning ecosystem marks an evolution from traditional delivery mechanisms to becoming the strategic nerve centers for major global enterprises.

The report, entitled "GCC Value Orbit: From Delivery Engine to Enterprise Nerve Centre," reveals India is now home to 2,117 GCCs across 3,728 units, employing approximately 2.36 million professionals. This growth represents a 32% increase since 2021, with a significant number of Forbes Global 2000 companies maintaining operations within the nation. A key driver behind this expansion is the deepened integration of artificial intelligence across both products and infrastructure.

AI and machine learning have become focal points for these centres, with over 1,200 locations embedding such capabilities and supported by a specialized talent pool and Centres of Excellence. Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, notes the shift towards value rather than scale, with AI as a catalyst. This paradigm shift means GCCs are embracing roles in global product ownership and enterprise transformation, with a high maturity expected in 75% of centres by 2030.