Even as layoffs and hiring freezes dominate headlines in India's tech sector this year, a new wave of data points in the opposite direction for one segment: global capability centres and offshore teams.

What the Data Shows

According to a recent industry report, major global technology and banking firms are planning to shift more roles to India in 2026, even as they continue trimming headcount in the US and Europe. Roughly 52% of tech and banking professionals surveyed across India and the US said their companies plan to increase hiring in India specifically next year.

The pattern isn't new, but it appears to be accelerating. US-based layoffs have continued through 2026, while roles in engineering, risk, compliance, and data functions are increasingly being rebuilt inside Indian offices rather than eliminated outright.

Why India, and Why Now

• Cost arbitrage remains real. Even with rising salaries for skilled Indian tech talent, the cost differential versus US and European hiring is still substantial.
• Talent depth in AI and data. India's AI and machine learning talent pool has grown fast enough that global firms increasingly see it as a build location, not just a cost center.
• GCC maturity. Global capability centres in India have shifted over the past decade from back-office support to owning full product lines, giving leadership more reason to expand them rather than shrink them.

The Catch: It's Not the Same as IT Services Hiring

This expansion is concentrated in global capability centres and captive offshore units — not necessarily the large Indian IT services majors, several of which have reported tighter hiring of their own this year. If you're targeting this trend, the companies to watch are the India arms of global banks, fintechs, and technology multinationals building out GCCs, rather than traditional outsourcing-first employers.

What This Means If You're Job Hunting

Roles tied to AI/ML, cybersecurity, data engineering, and financial risk are the most likely to benefit from this offshoring wave. If you're in one of these areas, it's worth specifically researching which multinational firms are expanding their India GCC footprint rather than applying broadly — the hiring intent is uneven across the market, concentrated in specific functions and specific types of employers.

The bigger picture: India's tech job market in 2026 isn't uniformly shrinking or growing — it's bifurcating, with services-heavy, generalist roles under pressure while specialized, AI-adjacent GCC roles expand. Knowing which side of that line your skill set falls on matters more than ever.