J&K Poised to Become a Global Capability Centre Hub in Next Decade: LG Manoj Sinha
Jammu, October 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir can emerge as a significant destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), stating that such centres could become an integral part of the Union Territory’s industrial ecosystem over the next decade.
Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day J&K Global Capability Centre Summit 2026 in Jammu on Saturday, Sinha said the region’s young talent pool, improving infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and expanding innovation ecosystem provide a strong foundation for attracting global companies.
“Jammu Kashmir is open and ready for Global Capability Centres. I am fully confident that in the next 10 years, Global Capability Centres can become a vital part of Jammu Kashmir’s industrial ecosystem,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Congratulating IIM Jammu, NASSCOM, partner institutions and the administration on organising the summit, Sinha urged stakeholders to work collectively to position Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred destination for companies seeking new talent hubs, innovation centres and business capabilities.
Drawing a parallel with the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Lieutenant Governor said the landmark symbolises the confidence, ambition and determination needed to achieve transformational goals.
He also referred to the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, which form the Chenab, as an example of collaboration. He said Global Capability Centres could similarly bring together the expertise, capital and technology of multinational companies with the talent, aspirations and creativity of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.
“I see Global Capability Centres in the same spirit of courage and confluence, and together they can generate a strength far beyond their separate capabilities,” he said.
Highlighting the growth of the GCC sector in India, Sinha noted that the country is home to more than 2,100 such centres employing over 1.9 million professionals and making a substantial contribution to exports.
He observed that GCCs are increasingly expanding beyond metropolitan areas into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, reflecting the wider geographical distribution of India's skilled workforce.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, this trend presents an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen its institutions, infrastructure and innovation ecosystem while attracting investments in knowledge-based industries.
He said the GCC sector had evolved beyond its traditional focus on cost efficiency towards excellence, innovation and specialised capabilities. Jammu and Kashmir, he added, should aspire not only to attract global capability centres but also to develop into a source of distinctive innovations for international markets.
Referring to the region’s economic transformation, Sinha highlighted infrastructure development, improved connectivity, rising industrial investment and the expansion of the startup ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The industrial revolution we are witnessing today in parts of the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley is a living symbol of the new Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Citing figures on entrepreneurship, Sinha said the number of startups in Jammu and Kashmir had increased from 69 in 2020 to 1,305, representing growth of more than 1,800 per cent.
He said graduates from institutions such as IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu, NIT Srinagar and other universities could contribute significantly to building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of global businesses.
The Lieutenant Governor identified six key advantages that could help Jammu and Kashmir attract Global Capability Centres: financial support, lower operating costs, special incentives for pioneering multinational investors, the return of local talent, first-mover advantages for early entrants and opportunities in specialised sectors.
He particularly highlighted the potential of agricultural technology, tourism technology and the digitisation of handicrafts, saying these sectors offer scope for innovation by combining the region’s traditional strengths with modern technological capabilities.
Outlining a four-pillar roadmap for the next five years, Sinha emphasised talent development through stronger industry-academia partnerships, building investor confidence through credible implementation, leveraging Jammu and Kashmir’s distinctive advantages and ensuring inclusive growth through a hub-and-spoke development model.
He expressed confidence that the foundation laid during the summit would help accelerate efforts to establish Jammu and Kashmir as an innovation-driven destination for global businesses.
The Lieutenant Governor said coordinated efforts by the government, educational institutions, industry leaders and investors would be essential to translate the region’s potential into sustainable economic opportunities and employment for local youth.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Padma Bhushan awardee and NIIT Chairman Rajendra Singh Pawar, IIM Jammu Director Prof. B.S. Sahay, Secretary Labour and Employment Department Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IIM Jammu Dean of Faculty and Research Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics Prof. Nitin Upadhyay and CEO of CITaG, IIM Jammu, Dr. Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, were among those present.
Experts, policymakers, industry representatives, senior officials, faculty members and students also attended the valedictory session. ANB
