Why Global Companies Are Looking at Pune for Their Next GCC

Created On: July 10, 2026
India, Newsletter

Modified On: July 10, 2026

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Summary:

Pune is emerging as a strong GCC destination beyond its traditional manufacturing base, offering deep engineering roots (800+ manufacturing units, ~40% of India’s auto output) alongside a growing tech ecosystem of 2,000+ tech enterprises, 500+ GCCs, and 550,000+ professionals with strong academia-industry alignment. The city now holds ~14% of India’s GCC units and 210,000+ sector professionals, with 130+ new setups since 2024 (55% US-headquartered) spanning tech, BFSI, healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing, and ~40% adopting an AI-first approach. The Maharashtra GCC Policy 2025 (targeting 400 new GCCs, 400,000 jobs) and the MAITRI single-window platform are strengthening the policy case, with capital, payroll, R&D, and infrastructure incentives on offer. Challenges remain around urban mobility and international connectivity, but the overall trajectory is positive, positioning Pune as a serious GCC contender alongside Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and NCR.

Businesses setting up a GCC in India have traditionally chosen from options like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and NCR, while Pune was only viewed as a hub for engineering and manufacturing. However, that perception is changing. Today, GCCs shoulder the responsibility of driving product engineering, AI, cybersecurity, analytics and enterprise-wide transformation. That’s a shift well beyond traditional back-office operations.

Today, the priority shifts toward factors beyond cost, such as talent quality, industry expertise, and long-term scalability. This shift is creating fresh opportunities for global capability centers in India, and Pune is emerging as one of the most promising options.

Pune’s strengths have evolved with business priorities

The traditional roots of Pune continue to be one of its biggest advantages. More than 800 manufacturing units, over six decades of engineering expertise, and its contribution of nearly 40% of India’s automobile output have helped create a deep technical ecosystem that few cities can replicate.

Over the years, that foundation has expanded beyond manufacturing. Today, Pune hosts over:

2,000 technology enterprises
Over 500 GCCs
Around 800 technology startups

The city has more than 550,000 professionals working across IT services, product companies, startups and capability centres. Every year, Pune’s universities graduate around 200,000 students, of which close to 100,000 come from STEM backgrounds. For businesses building specialised teams in engineering, digital technologies or enterprise functions, this creates access to both experienced professionals and a steady talent pipeline.

The close collaboration between academia and industry in Pune is equally important. The curriculum at top universities is aligned with the needs of global companies in terms of research, internships, and skill development. As a result, graduates can enter the workforce with practical exposure.

Growth is becoming something non-negotiable

The following numbers suggest Pune is moving well beyond its traditional reputation.

The city now accounts for nearly 14% of India’s GCC units and employs roughly 210,000 professionals in the sector.

More than 130 new GCC setups and expansions have been recorded since 2024, with organizations headquartered in the US contributing nearly 55% of these investments.

Technology companies continue to lead new investments, but activity is no longer limited to one sector. Financial services, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing and automotive companies are steadily expanding their presence. This reflects the city’s ability to support diverse business functions within a single ecosystem.

Another interesting trend is the growing number of AI-oriented mandates. Around 40% of recent GCC setups have been established with an AI-first approach. This shows companies are using Pune to build forward-looking capabilities, not just routine operations.

Policy support is strengthening the business case

In Pune, policy initiatives encouraging long-term expansion are complementing private investment. The Maharashtra GCC Policy 2025 is in place, and the state aims to attract 400 new GCCs. This initiative is expected to pave the way to 400,000 high-skilled jobs. Businesses can benefit from incentives that cover:

Capital investment
Payroll
R&D activities
Patent support
Infrastructure

Alongside this, the MAITRI (Maharashtra Industry, Trade and Investment Facilitation Cell) single-window platform is helping fast-track approvals for new setups. A dedicated GCC facilitation cell within MAITRI offers end-to-end handholding, from licensing and compliance support to real-time application tracking across departments, cutting down the time and complexity typically involved in setting up operations.

Looking beyond today's opportunity

Every location has areas for continued development. In Pune, this includes ongoing progress in urban mobility and international connectivity. The broader trajectory, however, remains strongly positive.

Organizations evaluating their next investment destination in Pune are looking for professional guidance from established consultants like IMC. Our advisory team assists companies throughout the process, helping them establish their entity and expand their operations in India. With the right partner from day one, businesses don’t just enter Pune, they build a foundation designed to scale.

Author Bio:

Poornima J is specialized in global mobility, international expansion, regulatory compliance, and cross-border business operations. She collaborates closely with advisory teams to break down complex subjects, such as Global Capability Centers, into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers. Her work spans market entry strategies, compliance frameworks, and operational setup across major jurisdictions, with a focus on delivering structured, easy-to-follow content that helps companies navigate international growth with confidence.

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Why Global Companies Are Looking at Pune for Their Next GCC

Summary:

Pune’s strengths have evolved with business priorities

Growth is becoming something non-negotiable

Policy support is strengthening the business case

Looking beyond today's opportunity

Author Bio:

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