The tightening of H-1B and L-1 visa policies under US President Donald Trump is reshaping global hiring strategies for American companies. Visa application fees have been raised to as much as $100,000, and further restrictions are under discussion in the US Senate, causing uncertainty for firms reliant on skilled foreign talent.
In response, companies are shifting critical operations overseas, with India emerging as the top destination. The country’s existing infrastructure, talent pool, and cost efficiencies are helping it absorb a significant share of global capability mandates that were once US-bound.
India’s Global Capability Centres drive high-value work
India is now home to over 1,700 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), serving as offshore extensions of multinational firms. These centres, which initially handled back-office functions, have evolved into hubs for high-value innovation. They are engaged in advanced work such as artificial intelligence (AI), drug discovery, luxury automotive design, cybersecurity, and product development.
US-based companies, particularly in technology, financial services, and federal contract-driven sectors, are increasingly relying on their own India-based GCCs rather than outsourcing to third-party vendors. This shift allows firms to maintain tighter control over processes while navigating around strict US visa policies.
GCCs offer scale, resilience, and leadership
Industry experts highlight that GCCs provide American firms with resilience, scalability, and access to highly skilled local leadership. The model blends global expertise with regional advantages, making it an effective alternative as immigration policies become more restrictive.
For Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister, Government of India, while speaking at a programme said India has seen rapid expansion in this sector. “In 2010, we had around 700 capability centres. Today, we have 1,800 Global Capability Centres,” he stated. He also projected the number could rise to 2,200 by 2030.
Currently, 50% of Fortune 500 companies operate GCCs in India. These centres employ 1.9 million professionals and generate $65 billion in annual revenue. By 2030, the figures are expected to reach 2.8 million employees and over $100 billion in annual revenues.
Policy risks and global adjustments
While India continues to benefit from this talent shift, new legislation in the US could introduce fresh challenges. The proposed HIGHER Act seeks to impose a 25% tax on offshore outsourcing. If passed, it could impact India’s export-driven service sector, which supports many of these operations.
As a result, some firms are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Others are moving quickly to ramp up operations in India, anticipating longer-term shifts in global policy and workforce dynamics. In parallel, countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Canada are also positioning themselves as alternative destinations for nearshoring talent.
India’s IT sector remains a solid base
India’s $283 billion IT industry currently contributes nearly 8% of the country’s GDP, providing a strong foundation for continued GCC expansion. As visa-dependent models decline, the demand for innovation-led exports from Indian centres is expected to grow, helping to offset the impact of potential policy risks.
With a growing number of professionals returning from the US to take leadership roles in Indian GCCs, the talent pool continues to deepen.
In response, companies are shifting critical operations overseas, with India emerging as the top destination. The country’s existing infrastructure, talent pool, and cost efficiencies are helping it absorb a significant share of global capability mandates that were once US-bound.
India’s Global Capability Centres drive high-value work
India is now home to over 1,700 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), serving as offshore extensions of multinational firms. These centres, which initially handled back-office functions, have evolved into hubs for high-value innovation. They are engaged in advanced work such as artificial intelligence (AI), drug discovery, luxury automotive design, cybersecurity, and product development.
US-based companies, particularly in technology, financial services, and federal contract-driven sectors, are increasingly relying on their own India-based GCCs rather than outsourcing to third-party vendors. This shift allows firms to maintain tighter control over processes while navigating around strict US visa policies.
GCCs offer scale, resilience, and leadership
Industry experts highlight that GCCs provide American firms with resilience, scalability, and access to highly skilled local leadership. The model blends global expertise with regional advantages, making it an effective alternative as immigration policies become more restrictive.
For Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister, Government of India, while speaking at a programme said India has seen rapid expansion in this sector. “In 2010, we had around 700 capability centres. Today, we have 1,800 Global Capability Centres,” he stated. He also projected the number could rise to 2,200 by 2030.
Currently, 50% of Fortune 500 companies operate GCCs in India. These centres employ 1.9 million professionals and generate $65 billion in annual revenue. By 2030, the figures are expected to reach 2.8 million employees and over $100 billion in annual revenues.
Policy risks and global adjustments
While India continues to benefit from this talent shift, new legislation in the US could introduce fresh challenges. The proposed HIGHER Act seeks to impose a 25% tax on offshore outsourcing. If passed, it could impact India’s export-driven service sector, which supports many of these operations.
As a result, some firms are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Others are moving quickly to ramp up operations in India, anticipating longer-term shifts in global policy and workforce dynamics. In parallel, countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Canada are also positioning themselves as alternative destinations for nearshoring talent.
India’s IT sector remains a solid base
India’s $283 billion IT industry currently contributes nearly 8% of the country’s GDP, providing a strong foundation for continued GCC expansion. As visa-dependent models decline, the demand for innovation-led exports from Indian centres is expected to grow, helping to offset the impact of potential policy risks.
With a growing number of professionals returning from the US to take leadership roles in Indian GCCs, the talent pool continues to deepen.
You may also like
M25 traffic LIVE: Crash sparks Dartford Tunnel rush hour chaos as motorway closes
England squad announcement LIVE: Two players leaked as Thomas Tuchel gets injury boost
'Moved Business To Bangalore Instead Of Fighting': Bizman Claims To Have Paid ₹47,000 Bribe To Chennai Customs Amid Wintrack's Allegations
Sanya Malhotra opens up about her most fulfilling roles as she reflects on her Bollywood journey
Guwahati court sends Zubeen Garg's co-musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and co-singer Amritprava Mahanta to 14 days' police custody
