A quiet shift is underway in India’s IT corridors. What was once a support function is now central to boardroom strategy. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have moved beyond delivery — they are shaping product roadmaps, accelerating transformation, and driving enterprise resilience. In response, India’s leading IT services firms aren’t just offering support — they’re building dedicated GCC practices to help global clients navigate this new reality. From Infosys and Wipro to Cognizant and Tech Mahindra, these companies are now placing big bets on the GCC opportunity. This is no longer an outsourcing pitch. It’s a long-term, strategic partnership model — and the stakes have never been higher.
Infosys: Project Altius and a Dedicated GCC Practice
Infosys has launched a comprehensive GCC practice under its internal transformation strategy, Project Altius. Deval Shah has been appointed to lead this initiative, which aims to assist global organizations in building, operating, and optimizing their GCCs. Notably, Infosys is collaborating with Lufthansa on a $300 million IT transformation deal to establish a new GCC in Bengaluru.
Cognizant: Platform-Led GCC Enablement and New Leadership
Cognizant is investing in platform-led service delivery for GCCs, utilizing AI-driven platforms. The company recently established a GCC for Citizens Financial Group in Hyderabad. Sailaja Josyula has been appointed as the Global Head of the GCC Service Line, overseeing the definition and execution of Cognizant’s global GCC strategy.
Wipro: Strategic Pivot Towards GCCs
Wipro is restructuring its service offerings to focus more sharply on the GCC opportunity. The company is currently seeking a Global GCC Practice Head to build a consolidated offering for enterprise clients aiming to establish or scale their India-based GCCs.
Tech Mahindra: Strategic Expansion with Goodyear and SST Next-Gen GCC Offering
Tech Mahindra is in advanced discussions to establish a Global Capability Center (GCC) for Ohio-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Hyderabad. The proposed center is expected to employ approximately 3,000 professionals and will encompass Goodyear’s research and development (R&D) and IT operations.
Additionally, Tech Mahindra launched the ‘SST Next-Gen GCC Offering’. This offering is designed to help enterprises build intelligent, secure, sustainable, and autonomous GCCs. It integrates industry perspectives and Tech Mahindra’s proven strengths to support cross-vertical, scalable GCC engagements.
Persistent Systems: Structured Innovation with GCC-as-a-Service
Persistent Systems has introduced a comprehensive GCC-as-a-Service offering, designed to assist enterprises in rapidly launching and scaling GCCs with strategic alignment. This service encompasses business case development, location strategy, legal setup, talent acquisition, and governance frameworks, all facilitated through their GCC NXT Framework.
Their approach integrates AI-driven optimization, continuous improvement, and workforce transformation through initiatives like Persistent University, which offers certifications and micro-degrees to equip teams with future-ready skills. Innovation is embedded in their culture, with Centers of Excellence and digital pilots accelerating business outcomes.
Happiest Minds: Focusing on Private Equity and Niche Domains
Happiest Minds is targeting mid-market and private equity-backed firms, creating an industry-specific playbook that emphasizes capability over scale, reflecting a broader trend in the ecosystem.
These strategic moves by Indian IT firms signify a pivotal shift from traditional service providers to strategic enablers in the GCC landscape. With dedicated practices, senior leadership mandates, and innovative operating models, these companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of the GCC revolution, shaping how GCCs are envisioned, built, and scaled.
