India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for pharmaceutical and healthcare innovation, driven significantly by the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). A recent analysis indicates that more than 15% of GCC employees in India are dedicated to the healthcare and life sciences sector, underlining the growing strategic importance of this domain in the country’s global services ecosystem.

More than half, approximately 55%, of these GCCs are backed by US-headquartered organisations, signalling deep international investment and collaboration in India’s healthcare R&D capabilities. Geographically, approximately 85% of healthcare-related GCCs are concentrated in four major cities: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and the Delhi-NCR region. Bengaluru leads with approximately 33% of total centres, followed closely by Hyderabad and Mumbai.

An emerging trend among these centres is the shift towards multi-city operations. Around 20% of the GCCs now operate across three or more Indian cities, with Hyderabad witnessing accelerated growth. The city’s appeal is largely attributed to government incentives, robust infrastructure, and a well-educated talent pool.

Among the companies leading the way in GCC-driven healthcare innovation are Novartis, Pfizer, Abbott, Siemens Healthineers, and Eli Lilly.

Novartis

Novartis has steadily expanded its footprint in India over the past two decades, with major hubs in Hyderabad and Mumbai. The Hyderabad centre is a cornerstone of the company’s technical R&D activities and is based within the Genome Valley biotech cluster. More than 350 highly qualified scientists—including master’s, PhDs, and post-doctorates—support critical areas such as clinical operations, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, and advanced quantitative sciences.

Across its Indian operations, Novartis employs approximately 2,400 professionals in its development division. The centres contribute to the research and development of innovative medicines targeting cardiovascular diseases, oncology, neurology, and immunology, thereby playing a central role in the company’s global growth strategy.

Pfizer

Pfizer’s operations in India span three legal entities and employ over 5,500 professionals across commercial, R&D, and manufacturing functions. The company’s world-class sterile injectables manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam supplies essential medicines to more than 30 countries. Additionally, its R&D centre in Chennai focuses on small molecules and parenteral product development.

Pfizer’s deep-rooted presence in India reflects its commitment to delivering both breakthrough global treatments and locally relevant healthcare solutions.

Abbott

A legacy healthcare leader in India, Abbott has maintained a strong presence since 1910. Headquartered in Mumbai, Abbott India employs over 14,000 professionals and offers a comprehensive portfolio across pharmaceuticals, nutrition, medical devices, and diagnostics.

With more than 400 pharmaceutical brands, the company plays a vital role in advancing public health. Its diagnostic tools and medical devices—ranging from glucose monitors to vascular technologies—serve millions across urban and rural regions.

Also Read :- Cipla Names Prabhakaran Balakrishnan Nair as Global Chief Manufacturing Officer

Siemens Healthineers

Siemens Healthineers’ India Development Centre in Bengaluru is a model of end-to-end product development. It contributes extensively to imaging technologies like CT, MRI, and molecular imaging, and is deeply involved in artificial intelligence and data analytics applications.

Backed by a workforce of around 7,000, the company is investing €160 million (approx. ₹1,300 crore) to expand its Bengaluru centre. This strategic investment ensures that nearly every global product from Siemens Healthineers has significant contributions from India.

Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly established its first Lilly Capability Centre India (LCCI) in Bengaluru in 2016. Today, the company employs 3,372 professionals and is poised to grow further with the launch of a second centre in Hyderabad. The new LCCI will focus on advanced domains such as automation, AI, software engineering, and cloud computing.

The Hyderabad centre aims to deepen Lilly’s global capabilities by accelerating innovation and improving efficiency in medicine development through data-driven technologies. Recruitment is currently underway, with the centre expected to house up to 1,500 professionals.

India’s healthcare GCC ecosystem is evolving from being a support function to a powerhouse of innovation. With global pharmaceutical giants deepening their presence and investing in local talent, the country is well-positioned to lead the next phase of transformative healthcare solutions.

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