India’s GCC Revolution
India’s Global Talent Centers (GCCs) have emerged as one of the most transformative forces reshaping the country’s economic and talent landscape. What once started as cost-effective offshore units for multinational companies have now evolved into centers of strategic innovation, decision-making and global product development. Few sectors today demonstrate India’s rise as clearly as the Gulf Cooperation Council ecosystem.
With more than 1,800 GCCs operating in the country (more than half of the world total), India has positioned itself at the center of global institutional capacity. Between FY23 and FY25, the sector grew by approximately 14%, driven by a combination of digital talent, competitive economy and a rapidly maturing innovation ecosystem. Today, 1.9 million professionals work in the Gulf Cooperation Council; This figure is expected to exceed 3 million by 2030, generating annual revenues of more than $100 billion.
Archana Naidu, Board Member and Chief Operating Officer, iKeva
The story is no longer limited to India’s metropolises. Tier 2 cities (Ahmedabad, Kochi, Indore, Coimbatore and Jaipur) are fast emerging as reliable, cost-effective locations for global hubs. These cities offer 20-30% lower operating costs, improved infrastructure and proactive government policies. Archana Naidu, Board Member and Chief Business Officer, iKeva, says India’s growth in the GCC is becoming broad-based rather than city-centric for the first time
Moving from Support to Strategy
2025 marks a structural shift in the way global companies view India. GCCs have gone beyond transactional work to support some of the world’s most advanced capabilities. Today, centers in India manage:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cloud, DevOps and Cybersecurity
- Product and Platform Engineering
- Life Sciences, Digital Health and Biotechnology
- Global Innovation and R&D Instructions
This pivot from “cost arbitrage” to “capability creation” strengthens India’s reputation as a reliable partner in global innovation. The upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council National Policy is expected to accelerate this movement, providing businesses with greater clarity, stability and long-term confidence in establishing high-value operations in the country.
Hyderabad Takes the Lead
A major milestone this year has been the rise of Hyderabad as India’s hottest Gulf Cooperation Council destination. Of the 85-95 GCC formed in 2025, 41 have been drawn to Hyderabad, leaving Bengaluru behind for the first time. Its impressive mix of infrastructure, governance, depth of talent and cost advantage has made it the preferred choice for multinational companies looking to build future-ready global centres.
Bengaluru continues to dominate deep tech and advanced R&D, but Hyderabad’s momentum signals a more balanced and resilient national innovation network.
Key Trends Defining 2025
- Value Comes Before Cost
GCCs now not only drive processes, but also shape global product roadmaps, data strategies, and AI initiatives. - Employment Momentum Strengthens
The sector is expected to increase 4.25–4.5 lakh jobs in 2025exceeding total employment 2.1 million by the end of the year. - Tier-2 Participation Is Growing Rapidly
These cities are becoming affordable, talent-rich alternatives for global companies. - Sector Diversity Expands
BFSI, technology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, engineering and automotive GCCs continue to scale rapidly. - Talent Bonus Intensifies
The demand for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering and cloud skills is reshaping recruitment strategies and leadership development. - Regulatory Complexity Increases Technology-Driven Compliance
With 537+ regulatory obligationsGCCs are rapidly digitizing governance and risk systems.
India’s Gulf Cooperation Council Centers: A Clear Positioning
- bengaluru: Deep technology and advanced R&D
- Hyderabad: The fastest growing innovation center
- Chennai: Automotive, industrial services, engineering
- Pune: BFSI and product engineering
- Delhi NCR: Technology, consultancy and medicine
- mumbai: Global finance and BFSI
Each city has developed a distinct talent identity, making India’s GCC ecosystem one of the most diverse in the world.
The Multiplier Effect That Feeds All Economies
For each direct job created in a GCC:
- 1 indirect job Produced in telecommunications, facilities, security and support services
- Almost 3 incentivized jobs It emerges through household consumption in the retail, mobility, education and housing sectors
This multiplier effect explains why the Gulf Cooperation Council is now considered one of India’s most reliable engines of urban economic development.
A Decisive Decade Ahead
From my perspective at iKeva, where we work closely with global companies scaling across India, this shift is evident: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is becoming the nerve centers of multinational organisations. The 2000s may belong to India’s IT services boom, but the next decade will be defined by Gulf Cooperation Council-led innovation, digital transformation and global talent development.
India is not only participating in this revolution but also leading it.
