Archive · 2 Sep 2026
New foreign firms expected to drive Indian GCC headcount growth
Global companies build technology centres in India to do important work at lower cost.
These centres are called Global Capability Centres, or GCCs.
India could have 2,117 such centres by the end of FY26.
Together, they may employ about 2.36 million people.
Some workers have lost jobs because companies are cutting costs or using artificial intelligence to automate tasks.
The article says many cuts are part of worldwide restructuring rather than actions aimed only at India.
New companies are still planning to open centres in India.
Because of this, India’s GCC workforce is expected to keep growing.
India is projected to have 2,117 technology GCCs by the end of FY26, employing about 2.36 million people.
GCC revenue is estimated at $98.4 billion by FY26, equivalent to roughly 2% of India’s GDP.
Talent availability, political stability, government support and lower costs are attracting foreign companies to India.
More than 5,500–6,000 GCC employees reportedly lost jobs last year amid global restructuring and AI-driven automation.
Everest Group expects Indian GCC headcount to grow about 9% annually over the next two years as new centres open.
- Who
- Foreign companies, Indian GCCs and their employees are involved; analysts including Everest Group assess the outlook.
- What
- India’s GCC sector is projected to expand, despite layoffs at some existing centres.
- When
- The projections cover the end of FY26 and the following two years; reported layoffs occurred last year.
- Where
- The activity is centred in India, while many restructuring decisions are occurring globally.
- Why
- Foreign firms are attracted by India’s talent pool, political stability, government support and cost advantage, while global economic pressure is prompting restructuring.
Expansion outlook
Layoff concerns
Future employment
Expansion outlook
New foreign firms are expected to establish technology centres in India, driving continued headcount growth even if older centres consolidate.
Layoff concerns
Layoffs at existing centres have raised concerns about the sustainability of GCC employment growth.
Reasons for job cuts
Expansion outlook
Many reductions are part of global corporate restructuring and AI-led automation rather than India-specific decisions.
Layoff concerns
Employees in Indian GCCs are still affected when parent companies reduce staff, shut operations or automate processes.
Overall market direction
Expansion outlook
The article argues the market is evolving rather than shrinking, with Everest Group forecasting about 9% annual headcount growth.
Layoff concerns
Global economic uncertainty, tariffs, wars, higher crude prices and weak growth in the United States and Europe could continue pressuring GCC operations.
- Projected GCCs by FY26
- 2,117 technology captives or GCCs
- Current GCC employment
- About 2.36 million people
- Estimated FY26 revenue
- $98.4 billion
- GDP contribution
- Around 2%
- Reported layoffs last year
- More than 5,500–6,000 GCC employees
- Expected headcount growth
- Approximately 9% annually over the next two years
- Expected GCC count by 2030
- Close to 3,000, according to most analysts