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Gujarat’s GIFT City, located in the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar region, is emerging as one of the most compelling hubs for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. Backed by state policy, talent and infrastructure, it is fast becoming a magnet for high-value global operations.

One of the latest signs of its ascent: Airbus is establishing a new R&D centre at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Gujarat, while sourcing over US$1 billion worth of components from more than 100 Indian suppliers. This move highlights India’s growing importance in aerospace R&D and global supply chains and boosts confidence in locations like GIFT City as enablers of innovation. 

GIFT City is already home to more than 35 GCCs across its 880-acre campus. These centres collectively generated revenues exceeding US$64 billion, driven by both Gujarat’s policy initiatives and the establishment of major global players. The investments into infrastructure such as strong connectivity, modern real estate and support services have made it an attractive alternative to metro hubs.

Several factors are supporting Gujarat’s emergence as a GCC powerhouse. At the forefront is a proactive state policy, with clear regulations and measures designed to ease doing business and attract global players. The Gujarat GCC Policy 2025–30 is particularly ambitious, setting clear targets to bring in 250 new GCC units and generate 50,000 jobs. To support this vision, the state has introduced targeted fiscal incentives, including a capital expenditure subsidy of up to 30% on computers and networking hardware, as well as an operational expenditure subsidy of up to 15%. GCCs are also entitled to a full reimbursement of electricity duty for five years, further reducing set-up and running costs.

Alongside financial support, the state has invested in a robust local talent ecosystem, providing access to high-quality engineering, finance and technology professionals. This ensures companies can recruit without the relocation frictions typically found in larger metropolitan areas. The policy also places emphasis on capacity-building programmes to bridge the gap between academia and industry, with a particular focus on HR innovation and R&D collaboration. Importantly, it incentivises inclusive growth by offering higher reimbursements for female employment.

Gujarat’s world-class infrastructure and strategic location provide an additional advantage, with modern campuses, reliable utilities and advanced connectivity bolstered by leadership in digital infrastructure and green energy. Global confidence in the state’s model has been reinforced by high-profile deals such as Airbus’s R&D expansion, which signal that Gujarat—and GIFT City in particular—is now regarded as a credible base for advanced research, design and sourcing. With explicit policy emphasis on high-value segments such as AI-driven digital transformation, financial services, R&D hubs and cybersecurity, Gujarat is positioning itself not just as an alternative to India’s traditional metro hubs but as a premier destination for the future of GCC innovation.

GIFT City’s rise offers some lessons for India’s broader GCC strategy. When policy, infrastructure and talent align, once-nascent hubs can scale quickly. For organisations evaluating second-wave GCC centres, GIFT City is now firmly in the conversation—not just as a cost-effective location but as one that delivers high value, innovation and sustainability.

As India works to deepen its GCC footprint, GIFT City is proving what’s possible when growth is built on purpose, not just presence.