Insights

India has firmly established itself as a global hotspot for tech hiring, driven by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), a deep pool of skilled professionals, and a favourable cost environment. Multinational companies are increasingly choosing India to build and scale their technology teams, with cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune emerging as leading hubs for innovation and digital development. This shift marks India’s transition from a traditional outsourcing destination to a strategic centre for research, development, and long-term growth. According to the “Global Tech Markets: Top Talent Locations 2025” report by Colliers, India has emerged as a leading hub for technology talent. Indian cities are outperforming many traditional global tech hubs, particularly in areas such as talent acquisition, talent density (measured on a per capita basis), and demand for office space leasing, a strong indicator of business and employment growth in the sector. Talent concentration in India’s tech hubs Indian cities are increasingly drawing global attention for their large and rapidly expanding pools of technology talent. Leading the charge is Bengaluru, which ranks as the top city in the country, with nearly twice the number of tech professionals as Hyderabad, its closest domestic peer. This significant lead underscores Bengaluru’s continued dominance as India’s premier technology hub. Beyond Bengaluru and Hyderabad, other major Indian metropolitan areas, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Pune, also feature prominently in the global rankings. These cities are recognised not only for the sheer volume of tech talent but also for their favourable age demographics, cost efficiency, and growing startup ecosystems, all of which position them competitively among the world’s leading technology destinations. The “Global Tech Markets: Top Talent Locations 2025” report, which evaluated over 200 markets worldwide, reveals that Indian cities are emerging as global leaders in talent acquisition, talent density, office space leasing, and the overall ease of sourcing skilled tech professionals. The rankings highlight India’s dominance in the global tech labour market, with four Indian cities securing spots in the top five and all six evaluated Indian markets ranking within the top 10 globally. This performance underscores India’s strategic advantage in providing both scale and quality of workforce, making it a preferred destination for global tech firms, startups, and investors alike. This trend points to an increasing clustering of tech talent in India and its rise as the dominant global hub. Six of the top seven markets with the highest number of hires by the top 15 tech companies in the past year are in India, reflecting a strong foreign hiring focus due to the country’s lower cost of living, affordable wages, and large talent pools. These six Indian markets account for 72% of all hires in the region over the past year. India’s Ranking in the APAC region and globally The report reinforces India’s prominence in technology talent, placing its metropolitan cities as dominant forces in the global technology talent landscape. In the APAC regional rankings, Bengaluru outpaces traditional tech hubs like Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul in terms of workforce depth and quality. Hyderabad follows closely, scoring 4.0 in both talent acquisition and labour index categories. Regional Ranking of Indian Cities in the APAC region Cities Overall Score Talent acquisition Ranking VC funding Ranking Labour index Index Beijing 3.5 2.0 3.3 1.5 Bengaluru 3.4 4.5 2.3 5.0 Tokyo 3.2 1.5 3.0 1.5 Shanghai 3.0 2.0 3.8 1.5 Seoul 2.9 1.5 3.5 1.5 Hyderabad 2.6 4.0 1.8 4.0 Pune 2.6 2.5 2.3 3.0 Chennai 2.2 2.5 1.8 3.5 Mumbai 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.5 Delhi 1.9 3.0 2.5 3.0 India’s major cities offer a compelling mix of scale, skill diversity, and cost-efficiency, making them prime destinations for global technology firms. Each metro contributes unique strengths to the country’s overall tech ecosystem, reinforcing India’s position as a leading global talent hub. Bengaluru’s strong research institutions, deep talent pipelines, and vibrant startup ecosystem have made it attractive to both global tech giants and emerging enterprises. Hyderabad is also rapidly becoming a centre of excellence for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). With strong government backing, strategic investments from multinational corporations, and a growing base of specialised professionals, Hyderabad is positioning itself as a vital link in the global innovation network for next-generation technologies. Hiring trends and talent acquisitions A comparative analysis of leading Indian cities based on four parameters — overall market score, talent acquisition, venture capital (VC) funding, and labour index — shows Bengaluru leading in most categories. Market trends indicate that sectors such as technology, manufacturing, health care, and engineering are driving strong hiring intent in India. Open job postings are a key sign of market vitality, reflecting real-time demand for skilled talent across regions. Several Indian cities are seeing high hiring activity, signalling sustained growth and expansion in the tech sector. Notably, Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, and the Delhi NCR region have posted high volumes of active tech job listings, showing strong demand dynamics and expanding talent ecosystems. These cities continue to attract a mix of global enterprises, startups, and IT services firms, all competing for skilled professionals in areas such as software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI, and cybersecurity. This trend also mirrors patterns in leading APAC markets like Singapore and Shanghai, underlining the competitive standing of Indian metros in the broader Asia-Pacific talent landscape. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 62.5% of India’s population is within the working-age group of 15 to 59 years, placing it among the youngest working-class nations in the world. This demographic advantage is particularly important in sectors driven by innovation, adaptability, and digital fluency. India’s youthful workforce is not just large but increasingly skilled, becoming a major driver of the nation’s digital economy and boosting growth in areas such as information technology, e-commerce, fintech, artificial intelligence, and other emerging sectors. Tech talent and India’s GCC growth India’s corporate landscape is undergoing a transformation, largely fuelled by the rapid rise in Global Capability Centres (GCCs). These centres, set up by various multinational corporations, handle verticals such as business processes, IT services, R&D, innovation hubs, and … Read more

As of July 2025, the Indian Government has approved a total of 806 applications under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, covering 14 strategic sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, telecom, textiles, and automobiles. Achievements and Impact The PLI scheme, first announced in 2021 with a total outlay of INR 1.97 trillion (US$22.8 billion), aims to strengthen India’s industrial base and reduce import dependency by encouraging credible investments and enhancing production capabilities. The scheme has achieved notable progress in reshaping India’s manufacturing landscape. As of August 2024, actual investments of ₹1.46 lakh crore have been realized, with projections indicating the figure will exceed ₹2 lakh crore within the next year. These investments have supported production and sales worth ₹12.50 lakh crore, while generating approximately 9.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs. Exports have also registered strong growth, crossing ₹4 lakh crore, led by sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. These results reflect the strengthened domestic industrial base, rising global competitiveness of Indian products, and expanded employment opportunities that support the country’s broader economic objectives. Higher Budget Allocations for 2025-26 The PLI scheme has significantly increased budget allocations for key sectors under the PLI Scheme in 2025-26, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing and improving the ease of doing business in India. PLI Schemes with the Highest Budget Allocation (2025-26) 1 Name of the Scheme Revised Estimates 2024-25 (₹ Crores) Budget Estimates 2025-26 (₹ Crores) Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in electronics manufacturing and IT hardware. 5777.00 9000.00 PLI for Automobiles and Auto Components 346.87 2818.85 PLI for Pharmaceuticals 2150.50 2444.93 PLI for Textile 45.00 1148.00 PLI for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights) 213.57 444.54 PLI for Specialty Steel 55.00 305.00 PLI for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage 15.42 155.76   Conclusion The Production Linked Incentive scheme continues to drive the growth of Indian manufacturing businesses, enabling them to scale revenue and benefit from performance-based incentives. With enhanced allocations to high-growth sectors, foreign companies planning to set up manufacturing bases in India can leverage these benefits and tap into the expanding opportunities in the market. To fully capitalise on these opportunities, setting up a compliant and efficient business structure is essential. Working with a trusted Company Registration consultant in India can simplify this process and ensure a smooth market entry. India Company Incorporation supports global investors with end-to-end company registration services in India, covering entity selection, documentation, and regulatory approvals. This enables businesses to establish their presence efficiently while focusing on growth and maximising the benefits offered under the PLI scheme.   

India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune leading the way. Uttar Pradesh is now following suit in aspirational fervor to redefine the state’s economic destiny. India’s northern power center, Uttar Pradesh (UP), is strategically shifting to become India’s top location for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), high-value innovation centers of multinational corporations. In April 2025, the UP Cabinet announced the Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy 2024, a concerted effort to attract world-class talent, capital, and global business services Why Set Up a GCC in India? India has emerged as a global hotspot for setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Its unique combination of skilled talent, strategic location, and supportive policies makes it an ideal choice for companies seeking efficiency, innovation, and scale. Beyond cost advantages, India offers a thriving ecosystem that enables businesses to operate seamlessly across geographies while tapping into cutting-edge expertise. Establishing a GCC here can accelerate growth, drive innovation, and ensure competitive advantage. 1. A Talent Engine Driven by Excellence India’s strongest asset is its workforce, particularly in technology and engineering. Every year, over 1.5 million engineers graduate, while the digitally literate segment continues to grow. GCCs are no longer limited to support roles they now recruit for high-value positions in: Artificial Intelligence and Automation Cybersecurity Data Science Product Management This depth of expertise ensures that companies can build teams capable of driving innovation, not just operational efficiency. 2. Time Zones That Enable Global Operations India’s geographic location provides a natural advantage for global operations. Positioned between the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Indian GCCs can support “follow-the-sun” models, enabling round-the-clock operations. This ensures faster decision-making, uninterrupted services, and seamless business continuity. 3. Infrastructure That Matches Ambition India has invested significantly in both digital and physical infrastructure. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, along with emerging Tier 2 hubs such as Coimbatore, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, offer: Modern office spaces Reliable power supply and high-speed internet Access to a skilled workforce This infrastructure allows companies to expand beyond traditional metropolitan areas without compromising quality or efficiency. 4. A Policy Landscape That Encourages Growth India’s government fosters a conducive environment for global businesses. Initiatives such as: Easing foreign investment regulations (FDI) Implementing robust data protection laws Promoting digital platforms like India Stack Types of GCCs Under the UP Policy Framework The UP GCC policy also introduces a hub-and-spoke model to distribute investments across the state. It identifies four distinct types of GCCs to cater to varying scales and business requirements: Global hubs: Fully integrated centers with end-to-end ownership of operations, functioning as strategic extensions of global headquarters. Satellite offices: Regional support centers aligned with broader national or global business objectives. Outsource centers: Facilities run by local partners, responsible for delivering specific business functions. Cluster/outpost offices: Smaller units with limited staffing, designed to support remote work and talent retention in specific geographies. Categories of GCCs To connect incentives with investment size and their effect, the UP GCC Policy 2024 categorizes under-construction projects into two categories, namely Level-1 GCCs and Advanced GCCs-based on investment size and employment generation. Level-1 GCCs are mandated to invest at least INR 200 million (US$2.3 million) or generate at least 200 employees in priority districts such as Gautam Buddha Nagar or Ghaziabad. Elsewhere, the thresholds are marginally lower to INR 150 million (US$1.7 million) or 100 employees. The high-end GCCs, to be utilized for larger operations, will need more investment. In Gautam Buddha Nagar or Ghaziabad, firms have to invest a minimum of INR 750 million (US$8.6 million) or hire 500 employees. In the other districts, the minimum investment is INR 500 million (US$5.7 million) and 300 employees. Structural & Strategic Strengths Talent pool: UP produces over 1.3 million graduates annually, with a youth employability rate of approximately 74% in the 22–25 age group Education infrastructure: The state has 72 universities, over 8,300 higher education institutions, and more than 3,000 ITIs. Existing tech ecosystem: Noida already houses GCCs of Microsoft, Samsung, MAQ Software, TCS, Infosys, and HCL. Physical infrastructure: The state boasts 40+ IT parks, 25 Special Economic Zones (SEZs), a semiconductor park near Jewar, and a new AI City coming up in Lucknow. Goals & Ambitions The State plans to:  Recruit 1,000+ new GCCs within the next 4-5 years Provide 500,000 direct job opportunities across industries like IT, analytics, HR, finance, and customer service Create around 200,000-250,000 positions. The UP policy provides a robust mix of fiscal and non-fiscal support:  Fiscal Incentives Subsidized land: The policy offers 30-50% subsidies on land allocations, and greater subsidies in Bundelkhand/Purvanchal Land Exemptions: GCCs can avail stamp duty exemption and reimbursement on office and land transactions Capital grants: Eligible for ₹25 crore grants for seven years for upgraded FCCs OPEX reimbursements: GCCs will receive 20% reimbursement on lease, cloud, power, bandwidth, with caps ranging from ₹40-80 crore limit for five years Subsidy on payroll:  The state will provide ₹1.2 lakh per employee per year (₹1.8 lakh for UP domiciled SC/ST women) up to ₹20 crore per year for 3 years EPF contributions: Employers will receive 100% reimbursement of EPF contributions for eligible employees, up to ₹1 crore annually for three years. Helping in fresher hiring: Companies hiring at least 30 graduates from UP universities per year will receive ₹20,000 per recruit, for up to five years. Internships & Skilling: The policy offers ₹50,000 per employee for skill development training and ₹5,000 per month for each intern, within defined caps. R&D, patents & innovation: The state will provide up to ₹2 crore annually for proof-of-concept projects and up to ₹10 lakh per international patent filing. Non-Fiscal Support Allowed to operate 24×7 with flexibility and ease in labor regulation checks. Streamlined regulatory clearances and single-window speed-clearing mechanisms Exclusively advisory support through a Technical Support Group of industry pioneers Academic direct links and Centers of Excellence, to access talent In-Depth Impact on the Economy & Beyond The policy promises to generate 200,000+ jobs in the first phase itself Cities like Noida, Lucknow, … Read more

India’s business environment is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Strategic policy shifts, regulatory simplification, and digital-first initiatives are transforming the way companies operate. Whether it’s global tech giants or homegrown exporters, these updates impact a broad spectrum of stakeholders. As 2025 unfolds, here’s a closer look at the reforms shaping a more agile and competitive India incorporation process. India – Ease of Doing Business Ranking India has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for both investment and business operations. Since 2014, the Government of India has implemented an ambitious programme of regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying business procedures and creating a more business-friendly environment. These reforms have significantly enhanced India’s global competitiveness and ease of doing business. The results are evident in the country’s remarkable rise in international rankings over the past few years. Among 190 countries evaluated in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report, India ranked 63rd. This marks an impressive jump of 79 positions from 142nd in 2014, reflecting sustained efforts to streamline processes and encourage entrepreneurship. Key Achievements Construction Permits: India’s ranking improved dramatically from 184 in 2014 to 27 in 2019, largely due to a reduction in procedures and the time required to obtain construction permits. Getting Electricity: India rose from 137th in 2014 to 22nd in 2019. Businesses now need just 53 days and four procedures to obtain an electricity connection. Protecting Minority Investors: India ranks 13th among 190 economies, demonstrating strong governance and investor protection. Getting Credit: The country ranks 25th, reflecting improved access to credit for businesses. These improvements highlight India’s commitment to fostering a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly business environment, making it an increasingly favourable destination for global enterprises. Equalisation Levy on Online Ads to Be Abolished from April 2025 In a significant policy reversal, the Indian government has proposed scraping the 6% Equalisation Levy (EL) on online advertisements. The move is expected to benefit global digital companies and streamline tax compliance. The Equalisation Levy, introduced in 2016, applied to non-resident advertising service providers without a physical presence in India. It was levied when payments to these providers exceeded ₹1,00,000 annually. Proposed Change: The levy will be abolished effective April 1, 2025. This will directly benefit companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon, which dominate the global digital advertising market. Impact on Agencies: Larger agencies serving global clients may benefit from reduced costs and increased efficiency. However, smaller, domestically focused firms may face tougher competition from international players. Administrative Relief: The change reduces quarterly compliance burdens and documentation. Industry players have welcomed it as a step toward simplified taxation. This reform aligns with India’s broader strategy to promote cross-border trade and digital cooperation with key global partners, particularly the United States. MCA V3 Portal: A Digital Leap in Corporate Filing The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) will roll out the final batch of 38 forms on the MCA V3 portal by July 14, 2025. This upgrade will bring India closer to fully digitised, transparent corporate compliance. The new portal reflects the government’s commitment to reducing friction in business processes and increasing efficiency in governance. Web-Based Forms: Manual uploads are being replaced with streamlined web forms, which reduce redundancy and standardise data capture. Pre-Filled Fields: Automatic field population improves consistency and reduces manual errors, speeding up the overall filing process. File Handling & Linked Reports: Larger uploads (up to 10 MB per form) are now accepted. Linked filings allow for seamless submission of related documents. Other updates bring further enhancements to compliance and usability. Expanded Attachments: Shareholder files can now be uploaded up to 300 MB for MGT-7, accommodating more complex submissions. Visual Documentation: MGT filings will now require interior and exterior photos of office premises. This adds an extra layer of verification. Complaint Integration: The ICP and SCP complaint forms are merged into a single non-STP form, simplifying grievance reporting. CSR Updates: CSR-1 has been redesigned with enhanced local data fields. CSR-2 remains an online-only form. AGM Defaults: GNL-1 now includes fields for AGM-related defaults and compounding disclosures. This provides deeper regulatory visibility. The V3 portal is a decisive step toward real-time compliance and paperless governance. Businesses can expect greater clarity, faster turnarounds, and fewer regulatory hurdles. RoDTEP Benefits Reinstated for Exporters from June 2025 India has reinstated the RoDTEP scheme for exporters starting June 1, 2025. This move aims to improve India’s global trade competitiveness and ease the burden of unrecovered embedded taxes. The policy brings relief to various exporting industries and supports long-term trade growth. Wider Eligibility: Exporters under Advance Authorisation, EOUs, and SEZs now qualify for RoDTEP. This expands the benefit base significantly. Financial Commitment: ₹182.33 billion (US$2.13 billion) has been allocated for FY 2025–26, covering multiple product categories. Sectoral Coverage: Industries like textiles, chemicals, pharma, agriculture, and automobiles are eligible. Refunds are granted via transferable e-scrips. Application Process: Exporters must declare their RoDTEP claim while filing shipping bills. Credits are transferred post-export through the ICEGATE portal. Industry stakeholders have welcomed this move, but caution that consistency in policy is critical. Frequent changes can dilute exporter confidence and affect long-term competitiveness. The reintroduction of RoDTEP for SEZs and EOUs marks a strong shift toward making Indian exports more viable globally. India May Open Government Procurement to Foreign Companies The Indian government is considering opening its central procurement market to foreign firms. This proposal comes amid ongoing trade discussions with the United States. The move could attract more investment and competition in public projects. Expanded Access: Foreign companies may bid for federal procurement contracts. However, state and local contracts will remain closed to overseas firms. Trade Precedent: A similar provision was introduced in India’s recent FTA with the UK. British firms gained limited access to central procurement. MSME Safeguard: Despite reduced barriers to entry, 25% of public procurement will still be reserved for small Indian enterprises. This protects domestic industry interests. If implemented, this change could improve transparency and efficiency in public procurement. However, it also raises concerns among MSMEs about increased competition from global players. India’s balancing … Read more