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The competition for India’s rising Global Capability Centre (GCC) sector is heating up, moving into a new phase of strategic, state-level action. As India solidifies its position as the world’s premier GCC hub, key states are launching targeted policies and high-tech infrastructure projects to capture the next wave of high-value investment.

From ambitious new policies in Maharashtra and Gujarat to futuristic infrastructure in Kerala and a strategic expansion in Karnataka, the race is on. Here’s a quick glance at these GCC-friendly policies.

Maharashtra: 4 Lakh Jobs, 400 New GCCs

The Government of Maharashtra has introduced the Maharashtra Global Capability Centre Policy 2025, outlining a comprehensive strategy to position the state as a leading destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The policy targets the establishment of around 400 new GCCs and the creation of approximately 400,000 high-skilled jobs.

This push is backed by an investment of ₹50,600 crore. The policy’s pillars include a robust package of fiscal incentives (like capital subsidies and power tariff subsidies) and non-fiscal support (like ‘Industry Status’ for GCCs, 24/7 operations, and zoning relaxations). A key part of the strategy is to develop new economic hubs by promoting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities such as Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as a global GCC landscape.

Gujarat: A Formal Policy Push

Leveraging its reputation as a policy-driven state and an industrial powerhouse, Gujarat has rolled out its own dedicated Gujarat GCC Policy. The objectives are clear: establish Gujarat as a preferred GCC hub, attract 250 new GCC units, and generate more than 50,000 new jobs, with an investment target of ₹10,000 crore.

The state is building on its formidable strengths, including world-class infrastructure like GIFT City and Dholera SIR, a strong IT ecosystem of over 5,000 companies, and a steady pipeline of 32,000+ IT graduates annually. The policy focuses on fostering innovation, enhancing digital infrastructure, and aligning with global value chains to attract high-value R&D and digital transformation centres.

Karnataka: ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ Evolution

As India’s undisputed GCC leader, Karnataka hosts about 40% of India’s GCCs (over 850 centres). It has launched KATALYST, a new, dedicated ease-of-doing-business (EoDB) cell as the engine for its ambitious GCC Policy 2024-2029.

The goal is to fast-track new GCC setups promising a less than 45-day turnaround and add 500 new GCCs by 2029. This push aims to generate 350,000 jobs and $50 billion in economic output. The KATALYST initiative acts as a single-window support platform to streamline investments and deepen collaboration. 

This aggressive new strategy works alongside the state’s ongoing ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative. Recognising the need for balanced growth, this push is designed to decentralise development and cultivate thriving ecosystems for seamless GCC operations across the entire state, building on its unmatched strength in IT, R&D, and aerospace.

Kerala: An AI-Controlled City

Kerala is taking a unique, infrastructure-led approach by focusing on Kochi. The state has announced Infopark Phase 3, envisioned as India’s first AI-controlled city designed specifically for the next generation of GCCs.

This futuristic, carbon-negative digital township will be managed by a centralised “City Brain,” an AI system monitoring everything from traffic and energy to waste management. By integrating smart tech, sustainability, and a mixed-use environment, Kerala is betting that this high-tech, ESG-friendly ecosystem will position Kochi as a strategic hub for global companies focused on AI, digital transformation, and innovation.