Over the past decade, India has emerged as the global epicentre for technology and innovation through its thriving Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The next wave of this evolution, powered by AI, presents India with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish itself as the undisputed leader in the global technology ecosystem.
In their early days, GCCs primarily focused on IT infrastructure management, ERP, and business process outsourcing.
However, as global organisations sought to optimise operations, the role of GCCs expanded. The adoption of cloud computing, robotic process automation (RPA), and big data analytics between 2010 and 2020 enabled them to drive efficiency and enhance decision-making.
Today, AI and automation are the key drivers of transformation, positioning India’s GCCs as the innovation engines for global enterprises.
As global businesses strive for reinvention, India’s GCCs are at the forefront, not just implementing AI solutions but developing them. They are now the R&D powerhouses, co-creating next-generation AI products, platforms, and solutions that will shape the future of industries worldwide.
The DeepSeek disruption
The recent emergence of cost-efficient AI models like DeepSeek has further changed the game. DeepSeek, has demonstrated that it is possible to develop a high-quality AI model at a fraction of the cost — $5.6 million compared to OpenAI’s reported $100 million.
For India’s GCCs, this breakthrough presents a unique opportunity. Historically, many GCCs have relied on established AI providers like OpenAI to power their AI-driven transformations. However, DeepSeek’s success signals the democratisation of AI — making advanced AI capabilities more accessible to organisations of all sizes.
With AI development becoming more cost-effective, India’s GCCs can take greater control of their AI strategies. They can explore custom-built AI models tailored to their specific needs rather than solely depending on external providers. This shift has the potential to unlock new efficiencies, reduce dependency on expensive third-party models, and accelerate AI adoption across industries.
Balancing innovation
While the prospect of cost-efficient AI innovation is exciting, it is imperative for organisations to strike a balance between rapid AI adoption and responsible governance. AI models, especially open-weight models like DeepSeek, bring unparalleled customisation opportunities but also raise concerns around bias detection, compliance, and data security.
For GCCs, which handle vast amounts of sensitive data, this necessitates a robust governance framework. Strong validation processes, rigorous security protocols, and compliance with global AI ethics standards will be crucial to ensuring that AI deployments are both effective and responsible. Organisations must invest in AI governance mechanisms that prioritise data privacy, fairness, and transparency while maintaining high-performance standards.
As AI continues to disrupt industries worldwide, India’s GCCs are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.
In financial services, AI-driven risk assessment and fraud detection are enabling global banks to improve regulatory compliance. In healthcare, AI is accelerating drug discovery and optimising patient care. In retail, AI-powered analytics are redefining personalised shopping experiences and inventory management. The potential is limitless.
With the right mix of AI adoption, cost-efficient innovation, and strong governance, India’s GCCs can become the architects of the future AI economy. The country has the talent, the ecosystem, and the momentum to lead the next digital revolution.
India’s GCCs stand at the cusp of a transformative era. The convergence of AI innovation and the booming GCC landscape present an unprecedented opportunity to redefine India’s role in the global technology ecosystem. By embracing cost-efficient AI models, driving innovation-led growth, and upholding the highest standards of governance, India can not only reinforce its position as the global hub for GCCs but also lead the AI revolution on the world stage.
The time to act is now. AI is not just a technological evolution — it is the defining force of the next industrial revolution. India has the potential, the capability, and the vision to lead from the front. The question is: Are we ready to seize this opportunity?
The writer is Chairperson, Nasscom, and MD, SAP Labs India
