Why Indian Tech Experts Are Returning: The Rise of GCCs and Global Delivery Centres

In the past, professionals used to go abroad for many strong reasons:

• Compensation Difference: Salary abroad was quite high, which was likely to save better.
• Innovation and Research and development access: Silicon Valley and Europe provided rapid access to state-of-the-art techniques and leadership roles.
• Reputation Accepted: Working for global brands abroad was associated with success and excellent career progress.
• Quality of Life: Better public services, infrastructure, and contact with a multicultural environment attracted many people.

However, global disruptions and changes have created new challenges:

• Large-scale Technical Retrenchment: More than 350,000 technical jobs have been lost in the US and the European Union since 2022.
• Visa Uncertainty: Hard H-1B and European Union Work Permit Policies make long-term stability difficult.
• Higher Living Costs: Housing, healthcare, and the increasing cost of children in cities like San Francisco and London are reducing the benefits of income.
• Risk of Deadlock: Limited promotion, lack of team ownership, and feelings of “just a part of the wheel” are increasing.

India has changed dramatically in the last five years.

• Global Innovation Ownership: 70% of tech GCC in India now handles not only implementation or support, but also main product mandates. Indian teams lead AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and platform construction for global markets.
• Senior High-Paying Roles: Those returning now get salaries according to global standards. A senior engineering manager or architect gets a comparable package in Bangalore or Hyderabad—as well as ESOP, a leadership track, and hybrid flexibility.
• Better Lifestyle and Urban Life: Cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai now offer better housing, international schools, strong metro systems, and a strong startup community.
• Family, Culture, and Objectives: People returning describe deep cultural engagement, proximity to older parents, and the satisfaction of contributing to India’s development as the main motivators.

This return is not a short-term trend. It is shaping the next stage of India’s global technology leadership.

• CXO Pipelines in India: Multinational companies are preparing India-based professionals for global C-suite roles. The Indian GCC is now becoming a test site for future CTOs, CFOs, and COOs.
• AI and ESG Leadership from India: India is strengthening the global ESG technical platform, banking digitisation, and enterprise AI Stack – which is led by architects and data scientists returning.
• Reverse Brain Gain Movement: More than 35,000 technical professionals have returned to India since 2022, entering technical GCC, entering global distribution centers, or starting a startup.
• India Headquarters for Global Operation: Due to the intensity of talent, cost profit, and policy alignment, India is expected to become a primary operating center of 75% of global technical giants by 2030.

• More than 1,900 GCC shows that India is not an “emerging center” – it is already a center.
• 60 lakh employees are equal to the entire population of countries like Singapore.
• 80 billion US dollars in exports helps to strengthen India’s foreign exchange reserves, GDP growth, and economic flexibility.
• 70% of product-based GCCs not only implemented but also highlighted India’s role in promoting intellectual property.
• The expansion cost of Tier-2 cities brings benefits and improves employment access beyond metros.