Dhruva Advisors releases report on establishing and operating a global competency center in India

Dhruva Advisors, one of India’s leading tax and regulatory consulting firms, has released its latest report titled “Global Competency Centers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Multinationals in India”. This in-depth guide serves as a strategic and operational playbook for multinational enterprises (MNEs) looking to establish or expand a global competency center (GCC) in India. From investment and location decisions to legal structuring, compliance, talent planning and repatriation strategies, we provide key insights into the GCC life cycle, providing a clear view of India’s evolving GCC landscape.

A comprehensive guide to setting up a GCC in India, it provides MNEs with insights into investments, compliance, talent and taxes, reaffirming India’s position as a leader in the GCC ecosystem.

As of FY24, India had over 1,700 GCCs, employing approximately 1.9 million professionals and generating revenue of USD 64.6 billion. This figure is expected to double by 2030, reaffirming India’s position as a strategic hub for global operations. Dhruva’s report comes at a time when global businesses are increasingly shifting from a transactional model to a function-focused GCC focused on digital transformation, AI, sustainability and enterprise-wide transformation.

The report covers all stages of the GCC life cycle, including entry strategy, investment structuring, legal formation, operating model, tax planning, transfer pricing, talent acquisition, risk management, repatriation and final exit strategy. It includes a detailed comparison between SEZ, STPI, DTA and GIFT City frameworks and provides real-world insights through recent customer case studies across banking, insurance, IT and manufacturing sectors.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Dinesh Kanabar, CEO, Dhruva Advisorshe said, The GCC narrative in India has shifted from cost arbitration to capacity arbitration. Global organizations now look to India as a strategic partner for transformation, not just implementation. The report provides practical guidance to help multinational companies unlock India’s potential, including incorporation, tax planning, and operating model design. Our goal is to help businesses co-create long-term value while confidently navigating India’s complex tax and regulatory environment. “This report is more than a checklist, it serves as a blueprint for sustainable success.”

Looking ahead, the future of the Indian GCC is poised to be driven by advancements in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability. As companies increasingly adopt AI and automation to drive operational efficiencies, India’s GCC is evolving into a hub of innovation, driving digital-first solutions across industries. Additionally, with the increasing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, India’s GCC is playing a pivotal role in shaping the sustainability strategies of global companies. This trend is not only redefining the role of the GCC but also solidifying India’s position as a leader in the global competency center ecosystem.

It is specifically designed for global business leaders, CFOs, CHROs, legal officers, tax professionals and policymakers working on global delivery strategies in sectors such as BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Technology and Engineering.

The report can be downloaded from: here.

About Dhruva Advisors
Dhruva Advisors provides a wide range of services in the field of tax and regulatory to clients in India and globally. With a highly regarded team of seasoned professionals, Dhruva provides prudent strategies and solutions to complex tax and regulatory issues. The firm has advised on some of the most significant transactions and managed some of the largest and most significant tax controversies in India.

With a proven track record, Dhruva is also recognized for pioneering solutions across various aspects of domestic and international taxation. The team offers deep industry expertise across a variety of sectors, including Aerospace & Defence, Automotive & Ancillary, Agriculture & Chemicals, Large Enterprises, Energy & Resources, Education, Financial Services, IT & ITes, Manufacturing & Real Estate, Global Competence Centers, Pharmaceuticals, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Private Equity, Transportation, Telecommunications, and Media.