The Top 5 Reasons Fortune 1000 Companies Are Expanding Their Talent Strategies to India in 2025

As companies strive to accelerate innovation while managing costs and complexity, one strategy continues to stand out in 2025: expanding global talent strategies through Global Capability Centers (GCCs). 

For CIOs and technology leaders, the challenges are clear: how do you scale quickly without sacrificing quality? How do you find—and retain—the specialized tech talent needed to drive or scale your technology initiatives? Increasingly, GCCs are becoming the answer. 

Once viewed primarily as cost-saving back-office hubs, today’s GCCs have evolved into integrated innovation engines— driving disruptive growth imperatives for parent companies through GenAI led strategies, driving digital transformations, product development, and enterprise-wide agility. For organizations seeking a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable approach to global growth while not missing on the AI driven modernization to stay relevant, GCCs offer a proven and financial advantage. 

Interest in building GCCs is growing rapidly among Fortune 1000 CIOs and technology executives.  Here are the top five reasons why. 

 

1. AI and Digital Maturity 

   
   

India's GCCs are at the forefront of adopting and implementing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and Data Science.  According to Deloitte's "State of AI in India" report, GCCs in India have moved beyond initial AI experimentation to focus on strategic, value-generating outcomes. They are leveraging AI across a full spectrum of enterprise business functions, including HR, finance, customer experience management, cybersecurity, operations, and supply chain management. This maturity enables organizations to accelerate digital transformation initiatives effectively. By establishing or expanding GCCs in India, companies can tap into this advanced technological ecosystem, ensuring they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  

2. Deep Access to High Quality Digital Talent

   
   

India has one of the world’s largest and continuously growing digital talent pools. With over 1.5 million STEM graduates entering the workforce annually and more than 1.9 million professionals already working within GCCs, companies who tap into India as a part of their global talent strategy have access to a scalable, skilled, and tech-savvy workforce. 

“With depth and diversity of ready to use GenAI & Agentic AI skilled tech talent availability at scale, India is coding the future. It’s not just about technical expertise—it’s about the mindset, agility, and innovation capabilities that this talent is bringing to the table. For companies looking to build new code of innovative products and transformations leveraging globally integrated teams, the opportunity to tap into India’s top-notch talent has never been more strategic,” said Ananth Rudravaram, VP of Technology and Managing Director, SMC Squared. 

Whether it’s AI, data science, cybersecurity, or full-stack development, teams in India are not only executing core services—they’re helping lead the charge in enterprise innovation. The growing presence of AI/ML Centers of Excellence across India that are researching AGI and productizing GenAI & Agentic AI based offerings further reinforces the country’s role as a digital-first talent ecosystem. 

3. Cost Efficiency Without Compromising Quality 

Cost is a critical consideration—but it’s not the whole story. What’s compelling for CIOs (and CFOs) is India’s ability to deliver high performance at a significantly lower total cost of ownership. 

Operating a GCC in India can reduce per-employee costs on average 40% compared to U.S. operations, while still maintaining quality at enterprise-grade levels.  These efficiencies allow CIOs to reinvest in digital capabilities, accelerate innovation, and fund future growth initiatives—without compromising talent quality or operational control. 

“The cost advantages of building a GCC in India are significant—and we see it firsthand with our clients. On average, our clients experience 42% cost savings compared to scaling teams in the U.S. or reaching to high-cost consulting alternatives, while gaining access to deep, high-quality talent pools. But it's not just about saving money—it's about reinvesting those savings into innovation, digital initiatives, and strategic growth," said Patricia Connolly, CEO and Founding Partner of SMC Squared. 

 

4. India’s GCCs Are Innovation Hubs

   
   

Today’s India-based GCCs are deeply embedded in the innovation agendas of their parent organizations. Over 90% now operate in multi-functional roles spanning technology, product, operations, and R&D. They are shaping product roadmaps, deploying automation at scale, and driving AI-driven transformation from the ground up effectively future proofing the enterprises from market disruptions. 

As CIOs seek partners who can accelerate time to value, the strategic importance of these centers cannot be overstated. 

 

5. Scalable, Future-Ready Operations

   
   

The maturity of India’s GCC ecosystem allows for agile scaling—whether expanding rapidly in response to business demand or tapping into new capabilities across digital, cloud, and cybersecurity. 

With robust infrastructure, a well-established partner ecosystem, and top of the line leadership, companies can scale seamlessly and sustainably—without compromising governance or control. Reimagining the skills, competencies and attributes required to build future-fit and resilient enterprises through inclusive talent building strategies, India’s GCC ecosystem is redefining the “Art of possibilities” for global enterprises to stay ahead of the curve. 

  

At SMC Squared, we help Fortune 1000 companies design and build high-impact Global Capability Centers in India—strategically aligned to enterprise goals, fully integrated with global operations, and focused on innovation. 

Our proprietary model ensures companies maintain full operational control while benefiting from our leadership team’s deep experience in talent strategy, technology enablement, and cultural integration. From building new centers to expanding existing teams, we deliver a solution that’s tailored to each of our client’s unique needs. 

If you’re ready to explore how a GCC strategy could help you scale smarter, innovate faster, and drive measurable impact leveraging the cutting-edge AI skilled talent, let’s start a conversation. Contact us today to learn how SMC Squared can help you build your next competitive advantage.