Indian IT firms tap GCCs for AI deals

Indian IT firms tap GCCs for AI deals

India's leading IT services companies, including Infosys, Cognizant, HCLTech and Hexaware Technologies are focusing on Global Capability Centers (GCC) to meet the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.

The GCC market in India is expected to be worth $90-100 billion by 2026 and grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5% to reach $20-25 billion by 2030.

Evolving model of GCCs

Traditionally, IT companies assisted multinational clients in establishing local captives by providing support functions, talent supply, and consulting services.

However, this model is now evolving into an ongoing partnership where MNC clients want to co-develop agentic AI solutions and products.

Sailaja Josyula of Cognizant said that GCC-related work is becoming a major part of "large-deal conversations," adding that as GCCs take on product lines and critical operations instead of support functions, the engagements get larger and more strategic.

HCLTech's approach to GCCs

HCLTech has adopted a flexible model that emphasizes co-innovation partnerships.

The company's Global GCC Practice Head, Kiran Babu Cherukuri, said nearly half of all GCCs set up since FY2021 have been leveraging AI from inception.

He stressed that providers must lead with AI-led models for green field and brown field GCCs, along with platform-based offerings and integrated service lines.

IT firms' growing focus on GCCs

In November 2025, Infosys launched its "AI-first GCC model" to provide co-innovation solutions through Infosys AI Agentic Foundry and Infosys Topaz.

The company has over 100 engagements with local GCC entities across industries.

Meanwhile, HCLTech boasts over 250 GCC clients including Evernorth Health Services, Western Union, and Optum.

Hexaware has already built and operated about 35 GCCs as part of its focus on this category.

Challenges in the GCC space

Shalini Pillay from KPMG said many GCCs have over-hired AI and data talent in their rush to adopt AI.

She suggested companies should consider whether they need to do everything themselves or work with third parties.

Despite popular belief, GCCs continue to outsource technology talent from IT firms, especially during setup and for specialist or surge capacity roles.

Addressable opportunity for IT services companies and consulting firms

Nasscom's latest report shows India has 2,117 GCCs generating $98.4 billion in revenue and employing 2.36 million professionals.

While the current revenue from GCCs is under 5%, it is expected to grow in the coming fiscal years.

The existing India GCC market scale is huge at $90-100 billion by 2026, presenting an addressable opportunity of $12-15 billion for IT services companies and consulting firms like ANSR and Zinnov to capture.