Why Tech-First GCC Setup in India Requires Strategic Consulting Partnerships

From driving innovation to enabling digital transformation at scale, India is now the engine for global enterprise capability. However, for tech-first GCCs to provide sustained value, simply relying on talent or a good ecosystem is not enough. To be successful, companies need strategic consulting partnerships to carry out their vision. This paper outlines why those partnerships are critically important, the partnership models available, and how organizations can develop a GCC model that incorporates their company’s ongoing strategic vision as part of the execution strategy. 

India’s rise as the world’s preferred destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is no longer just about cost arbitrage from driving innovation to enabling digital transformation at scale, India is now the engine for global enterprise capability. However, for tech-first GCCs to provide sustained value, simply relying on talent or a good ecosystem is not enough. To be successful, companies need strategic consulting partnerships to carry out their vision. 

This article outlines why those partnerships are critically important, the partnership models available, and how organizations can develop a GCC model that incorporates their company’s ongoing strategic vision as part of the execution strategy. 

The Rise of Tech-First GCCs in India 

India’s Path as a GCC Hub is bolstered by a combination of positive factors: 

• Cost efficiencies: While labour costs vary by business model, many firms benefit from up to 70% savings on IT talent costs compared with developed markets while still retaining the right level of service stack and quality. 

• Talent pool: India has upwards of 5 million tech professionals (and a wellspring of engineers and data offerings) coupled with a talent pipeline of engineers and data scientists (many equipped to contribute to advanced skills in areas such as AI, machine learning and cybersecurity). 

• Digital capabilities: the depth of penetration of new technologies, such as digital twins, blockchain and cloud, make India a compelling innovation partner for leading firms. 

• Legislative support from Government: Initiatives such as “Make in India” and SEZ-based tax support have created a favourable environment for foreign firms in India to operate alongside a more straightforward regulatory environment. 

With more than 1,700 active GCCs and continuing growth, the market is on a trajectory to reach USD 110 billion by 2030, However, a large-scale GCC does not guarantee success. 

The Challenges Behind the Promise 

Setting up a tech-first GCC in India presents its own set of complexities: 

• Regulatory Navigation: Foreign companies often struggle with India’s nuanced compliance frameworks, including data protection laws, labour codes, and tax structures. 

• Talent Retention: High attrition rates in competitive tech clusters like Bengaluru and Hyderabad necessitate robust employer branding and upskilling strategies. 

• Operational Readiness: While infrastructure and support services are available, integrating enterprise-grade digital platforms requires coordinated execution. 

• Strategic Alignment: Aligning GCC initiatives with the parent company’s innovation and transformation roadmap is crucial—but often lacking without expert intervention. 

This is where strategic consulting partnerships become critical. 

Why Strategic Consulting Partnerships Matter 

1. Accelerated Setup with Regulatory Expertise 

Consulting firms bring deep familiarity with India’s legal and regulatory environment. They enable faster setup by guiding location strategy, entity structuring, tax compliance, and statutory approvals. For instance, partnerships like KPMG in India and Gloplax Solutions offer a comprehensive “GCC-as-a-service” model covering everything from strategy to execution. 

2. Technology Integration & Innovation Hubs 

Tech-first GCCs must stay ahead of the curve in AI, cybersecurity, and platform engineering. Strategic partners help embed innovation into the GCC DNA. Capgemini, Infosys, and HCLTech work closely with global companies to co-create AI labs, R&D centres, and Centers of Excellence. These collaborations ensure faster time-to-value and higher impact from the GCC. 

3. Talent Strategy and Workforce Enablement 

Partnerships with local consulting firms and academic institutions help develop strong hiring pipelines. From campus placements to capability academies, these collaborations ensure that talent is not only available but future ready. Joint research projects with IITs or training programs delivered by local experts are common models. 

4. Scalability with Flexible Operating Models 

Consulting firms guide organizations in choosing the right partnership framework—Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Joint Ventures, Managed Services, or Fully Owned Subsidiaries. Each comes with trade-offs, and the right model depends on your business objectives, risk appetite, and long-term plans. 

Evaluating the Right Partnership Model 

Model	Pros	Challenges
BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer)	Faster market entry, phased ownership transfer	Initial dependency on partner
Joint Ventures	Shared risk and innovation potential	Complex governance structure
Managed Services	Focus on core capabilities, scale flexibility	Limited control over execution
Fully Owned Subsidiary with Consulting Support	Maximum control, tailored operations	Higher setup complexity and cost

Strategic consulting partners help companies assess these models against factors like scale, innovation needs, compliance load, and leadership alignment. 

Case-in-Point: How Partnerships Deliver Value 

• Walmart’s GCC in Bengaluru has adopted AI for real-time supply chain optimization through joint efforts with local consulting experts and tech partners. 

• Infosys and HCLTech are now helping international clients not only build but also transform GCCs by offering transition support, tech enablement, and recruitment assistance. 

• Capgemini supports both new and mature GCCs through joint value creation, especially in innovation-led functions such as logistics, digital product design, and automation. 

The evolving trend sees even traditional IT vendors tapping into the GCC opportunity—as “insourcers” become new clients, not competitors. 

The GCC 2.0 Era 

Today’s GCCs are no longer back-office hubs. They are digital, strategic, and innovation driven. A few essential strategies for sustaining this transformation include: 

• Integrating Innovation: Invest in local R&D and co-innovation centres to get ahead of emerging technologies. 

• Creating Agile Teams: Create remote-first, outcome-driven teams that operate like startups in an enterprise structure. 

• Upskilling and Leadership Development: Provide continuous learning programs to grow digital skills, leadership skills, and cross-disciplinary skills. 

• Driving Operational Excellence: Use automation, AI, and real-time analytics to streamline workflows and decision-making. 

• Future-Proofing Governance: Develop risk-adjusted governance models to address regulatory and geopolitical uncertainty. 

The Future Belongs to Collaborative GCCs 

Setting up a tech-first GCC in India is a high-potential move, but also a high-stakes one. Strategic consulting partnerships de-risk the journey and bring in the right combination of local insights and global best practices. Whether through GCC-as-a-Service models, BOT structures, or long-term co-innovation programs, these partnerships form the backbone of scalable, innovation-led operations. 

India offers the talent, infrastructure, and ambition. Consulting partners offer the strategy, execution, and adaptability. Together, they make a compelling case for the next generation of GCCs, where technology, talent, and transformation converge.