India Hosts Over Half of World’s GCCs; Bhubaneswar Emerges as a Rising Hub
Bhubaneswar joins top emerging cities as India cements its position as the global leader in Global Capability Centers
Bhubaneswar: India has emerged as the global epicenter of Global Capability Centers (GCCs), now hosting over 53% of the world’s GCCs. According to a report by Vestián Research, out of 3,200 such centers globally, nearly 1,700 are located in India, serving as critical offshore operations for multinational companies across various sectors. Among the cities spearheading this revolution, Bhubaneswar has been named an emerging GCC hub, alongside Ahmedabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, Indore, Mohali, and Madurai.
This recognition marks a major milestone for Odisha’s capital, which is rapidly evolving as a center for technological innovation and digital infrastructure. Global IT giants like TCS, Infosys, Mindtree, and Tech Mahindra have already established their presence in Bhubaneswar, leveraging the state’s robust talent pool and business-friendly environment.
According to Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary of the IT Department, the Odisha government is actively working to transform the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri corridor into a world-class GCC hub. This ambitious goal is part of the Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047, which outlines a long-term plan for industrial and digital development. To further support this effort, the state is also in the process of drafting a dedicated GCC policy, aimed at attracting investment and fostering innovation.
Odisha’s strong ecosystem for IT and engineering education, particularly its consistent output of skilled engineering graduates, gives the state a competitive advantage in meeting the high demand for talent in this sector. Combined with affordable real estate, quality infrastructure, and supportive governance, Bhubaneswar is becoming increasingly attractive to multinational corporations setting up offshore operations.
The Vestián report highlights the current GCC landscape in India, where Bengaluru leads with 487 centers, followed by Hyderabad (273), NCR (272), Mumbai (207), Pune (178), and Chennai (162). Together, these six cities account for 94% of India’s total GCCs. However, with the growing demand for decentralized, cost-effective locations, emerging cities like Bhubaneswar are now drawing attention as the next wave of GCC destinations.
Looking ahead, India is expected to add nearly 150 new GCCs annually, with the total number projected to cross 2,100 by 2028. This expansion is driven by India’s unmatched combination of technical talent, operational cost efficiency, and a maturing digital economy.
What is a GCC?
A Global Capability Center (GCC) is a strategic offshore unit set up by multinational corporations to manage critical functions like IT services, finance, HR, R\&D, and customer support. These centers are often established in countries with skilled talent and cost-effective business environments, such as India. GCCs play a pivotal role in enhancing global operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and supporting business continuity for their parent organizations.
As India continues to lead the GCC movement globally, Bhubaneswar’s growing prominence underscores the strategic importance of regional cities in the country’s digital future.
