U.S. President Donald Trump’s sharp hike in H-1B visa fees is prompting American companies to accelerate the shift of high-value work to India, bolstering the country’s role as a hub for global capability centres (GCCs).
India already hosts more than 1,700 GCCs—over half the world’s total—supporting industries from finance to research and development. Once focused on tech support, these centres now drive innovation in areas such as automotive design and pharmaceutical research.
Economists and industry executives say Trump’s visa curbs, combined with advances in artificial intelligence, are reshaping U.S. corporate labour strategies. With new H-1B application costs raised to $100,000 from a previous $2,000–$5,000, companies are under pressure to limit dependence on skilled foreign workers in the U.S. and strengthen overseas hubs.
“GCCs are uniquely positioned for this moment,” said Rohan Lobo, partner and GCC industry leader at Deloitte India, noting several U.S. firms are reassessing workforce structures. “Plans are already underway.”
Industry leaders expect U.S. firms to channel more strategic work—spanning AI, product development, cybersecurity and analytics—into India-based GCCs. Lalit Ahuja, founder of outsourcing firm ANSR, described the trend as a “gold rush” for India.
Big Tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Google, along with Wall Street banks such as JPMorgan Chase and retailers like Walmart, are among the largest H-1B sponsors and already maintain major operations in India. While these firms declined to comment on politically sensitive visa policies, analysts note they are well-positioned to expand offshore operations.
However, risks remain. A proposed U.S. law—the HIRE Act—could impose a 25% tax on firms outsourcing work overseas, threatening India’s $283 billion IT sector. Analysts at Nomura warned that while traditional IT service revenues may weaken, surging demand for GCC services could offset losses as firms restructure operations.
“Either more roles will move to India, or corporations will near-shore them to Mexico or Colombia. Canada could also take advantage,” said the India head of a retail GCC.
India was already projected to host more than 2,200 GCCs by 2030, with the market nearing $100 billion. Trump’s visa crackdown may accelerate that trajectory, cementing India’s status as a global innovation and operations hub for U.S. firms.
