India has emerged as the world’s largest hub for retail and FMCG Global Capability Centers, hosting 180 GCCs that collectively employ around 272,300 professionals, according to a July 8 report by TeamLease Digital. The report highlights India’s growing importance as a provider of technology, operations, analytics, supply chain management, and digital transformation to global retailers.
The expansion reflects how multinational retail companies are increasingly shifting high-value business functions to India, moving beyond traditional back-office operations. Retail GCCs in the country are now playing a larger role in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data science, cybersecurity, and customer experience.
The report also found that hiring demand across retail GCCs nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, generating more than 52,000 job opportunities last year. This hiring momentum is being driven by growing investments in digital capabilities and the need for specialised technology talent.
AI Skills and Digital Talent Drive Retail GCC Growth
India has also emerged as a leader in AI readiness within the retail GCC ecosystem. Companies are increasingly hiring professionals with expertise in generative AI, machine learning, automation, cloud engineering, and advanced analytics as they build global innovation hubs in the country.
According to TeamLease Digital, India’s combination of a large skilled workforce, mature technology ecosystem, and cost competitiveness continues to make it the preferred destination for global retailers expanding their capability centers. Industry reports also indicate that GCCs are becoming key contributors to innovation, research, and enterprise transformation rather than serving only as cost optimisation centres.
India’s GCC Ecosystem Continues to Expand
The retail sector’s growth comes amid broader momentum across India’s GCC landscape. Recent industry estimates suggest the country now hosts more than 2,100 GCCs across sectors, with multinational companies continuing to expand operations despite global economic uncertainty.
Retail and FMCG companies are expected to remain among the strongest contributors to this growth as they accelerate investments in AI-led transformation and digital commerce.
FAQs
- What is a Global Capability Center (GCC)?
A Global Capability Center is an office set up by a multinational company in another country to manage functions such as technology, finance, customer support, analytics, and business operations.
- Why is India the world’s largest retail GCC hub?
India offers a large skilled workforce, strong technology expertise, and cost advantages, making it an attractive destination for global retail and FMCG companies.
- How many retail GCCs are there in India?
According to the TeamLease Digital report, India currently hosts 180 retail and FMCG Global Capability Centers employing over 2.7 lakh professionals.
- What kind of jobs do retail GCCs create?
Retail GCCs hire professionals in AI, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, software engineering, supply chain management, finance, and customer experience.
