India Has 2,117 GCCs. Could Vietnam or the Philippines Take This Business Away?

19 October 2026•By Raghav Khandelwal
India Has 2,117 GCCs. Could Vietnam or the Philippines Take This Business Away?

Introduction

India has become a major destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), with multinational companies establishing technology, engineering, finance and research operations across the country.

But as Vietnam and the Philippines strengthen their positions in the global business services market, an important question emerges: Can India maintain its leadership in the GCC industry?

The answer matters not only to multinational companies but also to commercial real estate markets such as Pune, where GCC expansion can generate demand for premium office spaces.

Why Do Global Companies Choose India?

India's biggest advantages include its skilled workforce, established technology ecosystem, competitive operating costs and ability to scale teams quickly.

GCCs are also evolving beyond traditional support functions. Many now manage product development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering research and strategic business operations.

According to JLL's research on India's GCC transformation, these centres are increasingly becoming strategic contributors to global businesses.

This evolution strengthens India's position because companies are looking for expertise and innovation, not just lower costs.

Can Vietnam and the Philippines Compete?

Vietnam is attracting attention for manufacturing, electronics and technology-related investment. Its position in global supply chains makes it an alternative for certain business functions.

The Philippines has an established business process outsourcing industry, with strengths in customer service, English-language operations and shared services.

However, competition does not necessarily mean these countries will replace India. Companies can distribute different functions across multiple countries based on talent availability, costs and business requirements.

India's challenge is to keep improving infrastructure, workforce capabilities and operational efficiency while moving towards higher-value activities.

What Does This Mean for Pune's Commercial Real Estate Market?

Pune is well positioned to benefit from GCC expansion because of its technology talent, engineering capabilities and established corporate office market.

Locations such as Baner, Balewadi, Hinjewadi and Kharadi offer different options for businesses evaluating office space.

As GCCs expand, demand may increase for large office floors, Grade A commercial buildings, managed offices and customised corporate workspaces. Companies will increasingly consider connectivity, employee commuting, building infrastructure and long-term occupancy costs before choosing a location.

Businesses exploring opportunities can browse commercial office spaces in Pune to understand the available workspace options.

What Should Companies Consider Before Leasing a GCC Office?

Choosing the right office involves more than negotiating the lowest rent. Businesses should evaluate total occupancy costs, CAM charges, parking, power backup, connectivity, lease terms and future expansion flexibility.

Companies that need faster setup may prefer managed offices, while larger organisations may require customised spaces suited to their operational needs.

Read our guide on things to check before leasing a commercial office in Pune before making a leasing decision.

Conclusion: India's GCC Opportunity Is Far From Over

Vietnam and the Philippines may attract specific types of global business, but India continues to benefit from its scale, talent pool and mature GCC ecosystem.

For Pune, the opportunity lies in attracting more global companies and providing office spaces that meet their changing requirements.

As GCCs evolve, businesses need the right location, infrastructure and commercial leasing strategy to support long-term growth.

Looking for a GCC office in Pune?

Which Floor Realty helps businesses explore commercial office spaces and managed workspaces across Pune.

Visit WhichFloor.in to explore office options for your business.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries related to commercial real estate & office leasing.

Consider factors like location connectivity (proximity to metro/highway), micro-market rental yields, Grade A developer track record, fit-out costs, and lock-in lease tenure.