Key Cities in India Driving GCC Expansion: Latest Launches and Investment Trends
Explore the latest Global Capability Centers (GCCs) launched in India, focusing on key cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Gurugram. Discover how these centers are fueling the growth of commercial real estate and attracting international investments.
GccsReal EstateIndiaInvestmentTechnologyReal Estate MaharashtraNov 20, 2025
1. Vanguard
Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management firms, opened its first GCC in Hyderabad on November 4, 2025. Known for its index and mutual funds, ETFs, and retirement services, Vanguard manages trillions in assets. The company chose Hyderabad for its robust tech ecosystem, infrastructure, and policy support. The GCC will focus on hiring AI, cloud, engineering, and data analytics talent, positioning it as a talent play rather than a pure cost play.
2. Sonoco Products Company
On November 18, 2025, Sonoco Products Company, a global packaging solutions company, launched its permanent GCC facility in Hyderabad. With a market cap of around $3.9-4 billion, Sonoco aims to build digital, analytics, and automation capabilities. The GCC will serve as a Finance CoE and leverage local tech talent to drive global digital transformation and operational efficiency. This is not Sonoco’s first investment in India; it previously set up an IT performance hub in February 2025.
3. Deepwatch
Deepwatch, a U.S.-based cybersecurity firm, inaugurated its first GCC in Bengaluru on November 19, 2025. Specializing in managed detection and response (MDR) and security operations, Deepwatch is increasingly building AI-driven cyber capabilities. The company chose India to tap into the country’s unmatched pool of AI, cloud, and cybersecurity engineering talent, which is difficult to find in the U.S.
4. The Standard
The Standard, a leading U.S. financial services firm, launched its new GCC in Bengaluru and Pune. The company offers insurance, retirement, and investment products and services. While the exact market cap is not disclosed, The Standard aims to scale its tech and operations for global services, hire engineering and product talent, and support global technology transformation. Bengaluru and Pune are named as tech hubs for the new center.
5. Carlsberg Group
Denmark-based brewery Carlsberg Group opened its first-ever GCC in Gurugram in September 2025. Carlsberg, a global brewing company, has a market cap of $15-17 billion. The GCC in Gurugram focuses on tech and managed services to support global operations. The following day, Carlsberg opened another center in Hyderabad. The company aims to centralize IT/managed services, accelerate digital transformation, and execute a local investment/production growth strategy in India.
6. Rolls Royce
Luxury automobile and aerospace manufacturer Rolls Royce inaugurated its GCC in Bengaluru on September 17, 2025. With a presence of over 3,000 employees in India, Rolls Royce plans to double its sourcing. Bengaluru ranks among the world’s top three aerospace cities for attracting foreign investments, making it an ideal location for the GCC. The initiative has contributed to Bengaluru emerging as one of the top cities globally for aerospace investment, highlighting the city’s skilled engineers and innovation ecosystem.
7. McDonald's
McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, opened its first India GCC in Hyderabad in October 2025. The company’s decision to set up its GCC in Hyderabad underscores the city’s growing importance as a hub for tech and business process management. McDonald’s aims to leverage local talent and infrastructure to support its global operations and drive innovation.
These latest GCC launches in India are not only boosting the commercial real estate market but also attracting significant international investments. Key cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Gurugram are emerging as hotspots for global companies looking to tap into India’s talent pool and robust infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Global Capability Centers (GCCs)?
Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are offshore operations set up by multinational companies to leverage the talent, cost advantages, and infrastructure of a host country. These centers often focus on research and development, IT, and business process management.
Which cities in India are seeing the most GCC launches?
Key cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Gurugram are witnessing the most GCC launches due to their robust tech ecosystems, skilled talent pools, and supportive infrastructure.
What are the primary reasons companies choose India for GCCs?
Companies choose India for GCCs due to the availability of highly skilled talent, cost advantages, favorable government policies, and advanced infrastructure, particularly in key cities.
How do GCCs impact the real estate market in India?
The establishment of GCCs in India drives demand for commercial real estate, leading to the development of office spaces, tech parks, and supporting infrastructure in key cities.
What are the projected growth numbers for GCCs in India by 2030?
According to ICRA, the number of GCCs in India is expected to increase from over 1,800 currently to approximately 2,400-3,000 by 2030, generating an annual revenue of more than $100 billion and expanding the workforce by around 100%.
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