In a landmark move to transform Andhra Pradesh into a premier destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), the state government has constituted a 360° GCC Advisory Council under the leadership of IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh. The council brings together CXOs of multinational corporations, industry bodies like NASSCOM, global business councils, consulting firms, real estate developers, and top academic institutions to create a comprehensive roadmap for GCC-driven growth.
The initiative, announced on September 9, 2025, is part of the government’s aggressive push to attract foreign direct investment, foster innovation, and generate high-value employment. With over 1,600 GCCs already operating in India and employing more than 1.6 million professionals, Andhra Pradesh aims to capture the next wave of global investments by offering a future-ready ecosystem.
“This council will be the nerve centre of our GCC strategy. We are not just inviting MNCs—we are building the infrastructure, talent, and policy framework they need to thrive,” said Nara Lokesh during the launch event in Vijayawada.
🧭 Timeline of Andhra Pradesh’s GCC Push
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | IT & GCC Policy 4.0 finalized | Policy incentives approved |
| Sept 9, 2025 | 360° GCC Advisory Council constituted | Strategic roadmap initiated |
| Oct–Dec 2025 | Global roadshows in US, Europe, Asia planned | Outreach to top MNCs |
| Jan 2026 | First GCC Summit in Visakhapatnam | Showcase of AP’s digital economy vision |
The council’s formation marks a turning point in Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to lead India’s GCC expansion.
🔍 Composition and Mandate of the 360° GCC Council
| Stakeholder Type | Key Members / Institutions | Role in Council |
|---|---|---|
| MNC CXOs | Mastercard, Novartis, Warner Bros Discovery | Strategic guidance, investment planning |
| Industry Bodies | NASSCOM, USIBC, EBTC | Policy alignment, global outreach |
| Consulting Firms | EY, KPMG, Deloitte | Infrastructure and compliance advisory |
| Academic Institutions | IIT Tirupati, IIM Visakhapatnam | Talent development, research collaboration |
| Real Estate Developers | Embassy, RMZ, Phoenix Group | Commercial space planning |
The council will prepare a five-year roadmap and monitor implementation of IT & GCC Policy 4.0.
📉 Strategic Focus Areas of the GCC Council
| Focus Area | Description | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Talent Ecosystem | Skilling programs, university partnerships | 1 lakh+ trained professionals by 2028 |
| Infrastructure Development | IT parks, plug-and-play campuses, Grade-A spaces | 10 million sq ft of commercial space |
| Innovation & R&D | Global collaborations, startup incubation | 500+ patents filed by 2030 |
| Branding & Outreach | Roadshows, summits, digital campaigns | 100+ MNCs engaged by 2026 |
| Policy Monitoring | Review of IT & GCC Policy 4.0 | Transparent governance, investor confidence |
The council will meet quarterly and publish progress reports to ensure accountability.
🔥 Why GCCs Matter for Andhra Pradesh
- High-Value Employment: GCCs offer jobs in R&D, IT, finance, analytics, and customer services.
- Economic Diversification: Reduces dependence on agriculture and manufacturing.
- Global Integration: Positions AP as a strategic node in multinational operations.
- Urban Development: Drives growth in Tier 2 cities like Tirupati, Vizag, and Guntur.
- Startup Synergy: GCCs often collaborate with local startups, boosting innovation.
Unlike traditional outsourcing, GCCs are wholly owned by parent companies, ensuring deeper integration and long-term commitment.
🧠 Expert Commentary on GCC Council Formation
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Digital Economy Analyst | “This council is a bold step toward structured GCC growth.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Global Investment Consultant | “AP is building not just policy, but a full-stack ecosystem.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Economist | “GCCs will redefine employment and innovation in the state.” |
Experts agree that Andhra Pradesh’s proactive approach could set a national benchmark.
📦 Andhra Pradesh’s GCC Readiness Snapshot
| Parameter | Status / Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IT Infrastructure | 5 million sq ft operational | Expansion underway in Vizag and Amaravati |
| Talent Pool | 2 lakh STEM graduates/year | Skilling programs with IITs and IIMs |
| Policy Incentives | IT & GCC Policy 4.0 | Includes tax breaks, fast-track approvals |
| Global Outreach | 3-month roadshow campaign | Targeting US, Europe, and Southeast Asia |
| Ease of Doing Business | Top 5 in India | Single-window clearance system |
The state is positioning itself as a frictionless destination for global investors.
📅 Upcoming GCC Council Activities
| Event / Initiative | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| US Roadshow (New York, SF) | Oct 2025 | Engage Fortune 500 GCC leaders |
| EU Outreach (Berlin, Amsterdam) | Nov 2025 | Showcase AP’s digital infrastructure |
| Asia Connect (Singapore, Tokyo) | Dec 2025 | Tap into APAC investment pipeline |
| AP GCC Summit | Jan 2026 | Launch of new GCC clusters and MoUs |
The council will also host investor roundtables and academic-industry workshops.
📌 Conclusion
The constitution of the 360° GCC Advisory Council marks a transformative moment in Andhra Pradesh’s journey toward becoming a global digital powerhouse. By aligning policy, infrastructure, talent, and outreach under one strategic umbrella, the state is sending a clear message to multinational corporations: AP is ready for business. With the council’s roadmap and global engagement strategy in motion, the next few years could see Andhra Pradesh emerge as India’s most dynamic GCC hub.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government announcements, media reports, and expert commentary as of September 10, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or policy advice.
