India has firmly positioned itself as the global capital for setting up Global Capability Centers (GCCs), offering an unbeatable combination of cost efficiency, a highly skilled workforce, and a thriving technological ecosystem. As of FY2024, India has over 1,700 GCCs, employing 1.9 million professionals from a variety of industries. This number is projected to exceed 2.2 million by 2026 and reach between 2.5 to 2.8 million by 2030, showcasing how India continues to attract multinational corporations looking to future-proof their global operations. This GCC playbook is crafted for foreign firms looking to establish their own GCCs in India, guiding them through the practical and strategic steps, and emphasizing the role that tech enablers play in accelerating this transformation.
Step-by-Step Playbook
The first step in establishing a successful GCC is defining its objectives. Companies must decide whether their India center will focus on operational support, innovation, technological transformation, or a combination of these. A well-defined vision, combined with specific KPIs, improves alignment between headquarters and the India team and aids in the planning of resources, timelines, and long-term growth.
Also read: Why the World’s Biggest Companies Are Betting on India’s GCC Ecosystem
The next step for businesses is to choose the ideal location. Metros like Bengaluru and Hyderabad provide deep talent pools and mature ecosystems, but they come at a premium. Tier-II cities, on the other hand, offer more affordable options by improving infrastructure and expanding academic institutions. The decision-making process should be based on a thorough evaluation of real estate, proximity to educational hubs, and access to business services.
Understanding India’s regulatory and compliance environment is critical. Companies must choose an appropriate legal structure, such as a wholly owned subsidiary, limited liability partnership, or branch office. Understanding labor laws, intellectual property rights, and sector-specific compliance is critical. Furthermore, if data localization or export services are involved, businesses must follow current data protection and IT regulations. Engaging local legal and financial advisors at this stage significantly reduces the setup’s risks.
Once the entity is in place, building a robust talent strategy becomes the priority. For instance, in technology, roles such as software developers, engineers, cloud architects, AI/ML specialists, and data scientists form the core of many centers. Data-related professionals, including analysts and business intelligence experts, play a crucial role in enabling informed decision-making and automation. In finance, GCCs bolster global financial planning through risk and compliance managers and financial analysts. Business development, marketing, and customer service teams help bridge local insights with global markets. Additionally, legal advisors, HR specialists, and domain experts in BFSI, healthcare, and manufacturing contribute to a robust and well-rounded talent ecosystem.
Tech infrastructure forms the backbone of any GCC. From the outset, companies must deploy scalable cloud-based systems, secure networks, and core applications such as ERP, CRM, and project management tools. Adopting cybersecurity best practices and data governance frameworks ensures operational resilience. Partnering with experienced tech solution providers such as SNDK Corp can speed up this process and reduce the chances of integration failure.
Forming the right ecosystem of partnerships is just as crucial. Rather than managing dozens of disconnected vendors, many global firms today prefer working with end-to-end tech solution providers who bring integrated services, faster execution, and built-in compliance into a single relationship. This approach significantly reduces operational overhead and improves focus on strategic growth.
Establishing operational excellence from day one pays long-term dividends. Setting up internal governance frameworks, audit protocols, and escalation mechanisms ensures alignment with global standards. More mature GCCs often go a step further by setting up Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in data analytics, AI/ML, or cybersecurity, turning the India center from a cost center into a strategic value driver. Integrating local leadership with global functional heads and investing in cross-cultural collaboration tools ensures that the India team is well-integrated into global decision-making.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Several foreign firms stumble by underestimating regulatory complexity or relying on legacy systems that are difficult to scale. Compliance missteps, especially related to employment contracts, data policies, or tax filings can attract penalties and harm reputation.
In addition, firms that overlook the importance of a localized talent strategy often face higher attrition and struggle to retain critical staff. Poor technology integration is another common issue, leading to operational inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. Lastly, cultural misalignment between global HQs and India teams can cause friction if not proactively managed through orientation, leadership immersion programs, and open communication channels.
Scalability, Flexibility and Innovation
Many businesses start their GCC journey in India with a pilot team before expanding based on performance and growth requirements. India’s ability to support rapid scalability while maintaining quality makes it an ideal location for growing digital and technology-driven functions. The increasing use of hybrid workforce models, access to on-demand talent, and the implementation of automation tools all contribute to the flexibility and efficiency of these centers. Furthermore, a growing number of companies, such as Bosch and Zeiss, have successfully converted their GCCs into global R&D hubs, bringing cutting-edge innovations and solutions to global markets.
The Role of a Tech Enabler in the GCC Journey
Tech solution providers are key partners for foreign companies establishing GCCs in India. They provide end-to-end solutions ranging from infrastructure buildouts to technological transformation. Their understanding of compliance, workforce management software, data security, and application integration facilitate quicker time to market. Whether it’s implementing automation, creating cloud-native environments, or equipping remote teams with productivity solutions, the proper tech partner streamlines operational readiness and reduces risks.
India’s surge in the global GCC ecosystem is not a short-term phenomenon, it is a long-term structural opportunity. As more multinationals seek to create resilience, innovation capability, and leverage cost, India is the best place to do so. But success will depend on a carefully crafted strategy that cuts across regulation, talent, tech, and execution. By following the playbook outlined here, and by collaborating with seasoned, integrated solution providers, foreign companies can make their GCC journey in India seamless, future-proof, and ready for scale.
The article has been written by Brijesh Patel, Founder & CTO, SNDK Corp
