India Global AI Hub

April 18, 2026

India is rapidly emerging as a global nerve centre for artificial intelligence (AI) in the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors, driven by the growing scale and strategic evolution of Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

As per the analysis of DS Stream, the nation currently hosts over 1,800 GCCs employing nearly 2 million technology professionals, with more than 70 per cent of these centres actively investing in AI-led capabilities across customer experience, merchandising, and supply chain optimisation.

India’s role has evolved significantly from being a cost-efficient support base to becoming a strategic hub where global retail and FMCG companies are designing and deploying their AI operating models.

India is no longer just supporting global operations. It is increasingly becoming the location where AI-driven decision-making frameworks for retail and CPG are being built and scaled, reads a recent report.

Over 78% of newly established retail and CPG GCCs in India are prioritising AI, machine learning, and data engineering as core capabilities. These centres are now handling end-to-end functions, including cloud data platforms, machine learning operations, commercial analytics and enterprise-wide AI solutions, particularly in areas such as demand forecasting, pricing, promotions and inventory management.

Citing industry data, the report said that nearly 95% of companies using AI in retail and CPG have reported cost reductions, while 89% have seen revenue gains when AI is integrated into core operational workflows.

India is also strengthening its capabilities in AI engineering, including Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), governance and cloud-native architecture, enabling GCCs to move from pilot projects to large-scale, production-ready deployments.
With more than 70 per cent of GCCs investing in AI platform engineering and governance, India is evolving into an ‘AI factory’ capable of delivering scalable and secure enterprise solutions.

It also underscored the importance of building integrated operating models that combine data engineering, machine learning and generative AI capabilities to create scalable and repeatable value.
India’s growing talent base, maturing AI ecosystem and evolving GCC model position it strongly to lead the next phase of AI-driven transformation in global retail and CPG. The IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has selected 10 Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups for the second cohort of its global acceleration programme, aimed at helping domestic firms scale internationally. The IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Programme is being conducted in partnership with Station F in Paris and HEC Paris, and forms part of the government’s broader push to strengthen India’s position in the global AI ecosystem.

According to the government, each cohort comprises 10 startups that are provided access to resources, mentorship and international networks to support their global expansion under the initiative.
.The programme is aligned with India’s National AI Strategy, with a focus on cross-border collaboration, exposure to global innovation ecosystems and integration into international markets.

The selected startups for the second cohort include AI Health Highway, Awiros, Cognecto, Flaunt, GreenFi.ai Climateforce Technologies, Infiheal Healthtech, InLustro Learning, PredCo, SkyServe (Hyspace Technologies) and TestAIng Solutions. These startups were shortlisted through a multi-stage selection process and will participate in a structured programme comprising a three-week online preparatory phase followed by a three-month residency in Paris.

The government said that during the residency, participants will gain access to mentorship, industry experts and networking opportunities with leading players from the French and European technology ecosystem.