Global IT giant Cognizant is broadening its footprint in India, including tier-2 cities, to tap into the rich talent pool available across the country, said Surya Gummadi, President of Cognizant’s Americas business. Speaking at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, he highlighted that India remains central to the company’s overall and AI-focused strategy.
Tier-Two Cities Drive Growth
Cognizant has recently expanded operations into Visakhapatnam, Indore, and Gujarat’s Gift City, among other locations. “The tier-two expansion is a key element of our strategy,” Gummadi said, adding that the company is simultaneously scaling operations in major urban hubs like Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. Expansion decisions are guided by client needs and talent availability in these regions.
India at the Heart of Cognizant’s AI Strategy
India hosts the majority of Cognizant’s associates working on AI solutions for clients, though teams are also located in the US and client countries. Production centers in India further strengthen the company’s delivery capabilities. Gummadi emphasized that India’s education system has adapted to the AI era, producing talent that is increasingly ready to meet technology-driven demands.
Recruitment and Talent Development
Cognizant continues to recruit fresh graduates from Indian colleges while also hiring in the US. “We are seeing a shift in education towards AI, and we are getting partially ready talent,” he noted, highlighting the importance of aligning recruitment with emerging technological trends.
Global Capability Centers Strategy
Cognizant’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) play a central role in its business model. The company originally began as a GCC for Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and has since helped multiple clients establish their own GCCs in India and globally. The GCC strategy includes four approaches: setting up greenfield GCCs, co-operating with clients, building-operating-transferring GCCs, and supporting existing GCCs to expand.
Comprehensive Client Services
Beyond establishing GCCs, Cognizant provides a wide range of services including network infrastructure, real estate, talent management, training, and recruitment. The company also assists clients in modifying or carving out existing GCCs to better align with business objectives.
Looking Ahead
India continues to be a strategic hub for Cognizant, providing both talent and operational excellence to support AI solutions and global client services. With tier-2 cities emerging as new talent centers, the company aims to balance growth between established metropolitan hubs and smaller cities to maintain its competitive edge.
