Global hub vision: CII pushes for National GCC Policy; targets $600 billion boost, 25 million jobs by 2030

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Sunday suggested a framework for a National Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy that could make India the global headquarters for innovation-driven GCCs, create 20–25 million jobs and generate up to $600 billion in economic impact.According to CII, the proposed framework rests on three pillars — national direction, enabling ecosystem, and measurable outcomes — supported by four critical factors: talent, infrastructure, regional inclusion, and innovation. As per news agency PTI, it recommends setting up Digital Economic Zones, deepening industry–academia partnerships and creating a GCC Council for inter-ministerial coordination and centre–state alignment.The framework also calls for clear performance metrics for job creation, innovation, exports, and regional spread, supported by feedback loops for continuous improvement and adaptive strategies to respond to global shifts.The industry body argued that implementing this framework, alongside a Model State Policy, could double India’s GCC footprint by 2030 and make the country the “world’s premier architect of enterprise innovation.”

It further suggested integrating GCC growth with government programmes such as Smart Cities and Gati Shakti to promote Tier-II and Tier-III cities, while also addressing gaps in transport, utilities and Grade-A office infrastructure to ensure balanced regional growth.CII said GCCs should evolve into R&D powerhouses for global companies, supported by corporate venture capital arms and innovation linkages with start-ups.

The framework also calls for incentives for ESG-led innovation, including green infrastructure and responsible AI adoption, aligning with India’s net-zero commitments.India’s GCC industry has advanced from cost-focused IT hubs in the 1990s to global enterprise hubs today, contributing $68 billion in gross value added and employing 2.16 million professionals directly. This impact is projected to rise to between $154–199 billion by 2030.

Investor confidence remains high, with three new GCCs being set up every two weeks.CII also said it is finalising a Model State GCC Policy that will provide states with a practical playbook to design their own promotion strategies. “The Model State Policy will complement the national framework by providing a ready playbook for state governments. Together, they will unlock inclusive, distributed growth across India’s cities and regions,” the industry body said, as per PTI.The suggested framework for the model state GCC policy will be a key focus of discussion at the GCC Business Summit in Vizag on September 17.CII further called upon all stakeholders — central and state governments, global enterprises, academia, and start-ups — to collaborate in turning this vision into reality.