NEW DELHI. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are projected to account for up to 50 per cent of India office space demand across the top seven markets as firms from the United States (US) continue to dominate leasing activity. According to a report from Colliers India, annual Grade A office uptake by these centres could reach between 35 and 40 million square feet over the next few years. This surge would represent a significant portion of the overall market, as these entities have already established a massive footprint in the country since 2020. Consequently, the steady growth in the sector is evident from the increase in space uptake, which rose from approximately 16 million square feet in 2020 to close to 30 million square feet in 2025.
Strategic Shifts in India Office Space Demand
Moreover, the report highlights that firms from the United States have accounted for nearly 70 per cent of GCC leasing activity in the country since 2020. This is followed by companies from the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK), each holding an 8 to 10 per cent share. Arpit Mehrotra, the Managing Director (MD), Office Services at Colliers India, observed that while technology-based demand from American firms might stabilise, they anticipate increasing traction from companies of EU and UK origin. He further mentioned that this growth is expected specifically within the engineering and manufacturing, Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), and consulting domains. Therefore, these shifts are likely to diversify the overall India office space demand in the coming years.
In addition, the ongoing trade agreements and tariff rationalisation with the US, EU, and UK are expected to provide a long-term boost to the market. Specifically, the report noted that these bilateral deals will support the requirement for workspace across technology, banking, and engineering sectors. Since 2020, GCCs have accounted for about 117 million square feet, or 38 per cent, of the 310 million square feet of cumulative India office space demand. Furthermore, the report explained that the moderation of global trade frictions and recent bilateral agreements will translate into positive traction across key demand drivers. Thus, the availability of skilled talent and cost arbitrage will continue to fuel the expansion of these capability centres.
Market Anchors and Future Projections
Beyond the primary tech hubs, these centres are expected to support the ongoing scale-up and diversification of the occupier base. Vimal Nadar, the National Director and Head of Research at Colliers India, stated that GCCs will continue to act as anchors for India office space demand. He also pointed out that the moderation in global trade tensions will help the market capitalise on recent international partnerships. Meanwhile, industry experts noted that the steady increase in space uptake reflects the country’s maturing status as a global innovation hub. Consequently, the persistent demand for premium office environments is likely to keep the commercial real estate sector resilient against external economic fluctuations.
On the other hand, the report suggests that the next few years will see a more balanced contribution from various global regions. Specifically, the focus on India office space demand will broaden as more European and British firms establish specialised centres for consulting and high-end manufacturing. Since the nation offers a unique combination of technical expertise and operational efficiency, it remains a top-tier choice for global institutional investors. Furthermore, the authorities have noted that the expansion of these centres will significantly contribute to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, the Ministry of Finance will monitor these leasing trends to gauge the health of the broader service sector and its impact on the GDP.
Encouraging Commercial Real Estate Trends
Finally, the analysis concludes that the structural shift in the commercial market is likely to be permanent. For instance, the transition toward larger, consolidated office footprints by GCCs is a clear indicator of long-term commitment to the Indian market. Moreover, the leadership at Colliers India discussed how the “flight to quality” remains a dominant theme among multinational occupiers. Regarding long-term goals, the foundation laid by these global centres serves as a bridge to a more modern and integrated national economy. Consequently, this move will likely foster a more prosperous and technologically advanced commercial landscape for the entire nation.
In summary, the report provides a confident outlook on the future of the domestic office ecosystem. With a focus on talent, strategic trade agreements, and sectoral diversification, the country is set to lead the global commercial real estate narrative. Therefore, these strategic initiatives will continue to drive the social and economic evolution of the urban environment.
Colliers India GCC Insights
| Parameter | Statistic / Attribution |
|---|---|
| Market Forecast | GCCs to drive 40–50% of total leasing. |
| Annual Uptake Goal | 35–40 million sq ft over the next few years. |
| Dominant Source | US-based firms (70% share since 2020). |
| Leading Authorities | Arpit Mehrotra (MD) and Vimal Nadar (Head of Research). |
| Key Demand Drivers | Tech, BFSI, Engineering, and Manufacturing. |
| Cumulative Share | 117 million sq ft since 2020 (38% of total). |
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