GCC BOT model vs. direct incorporation — which is better for setting up an India capability centre?

Under a BOT model, an experienced local operating partner sets up the Global Capability Centre, hires the team, and runs initial operations, with a pre-agreed mechanism to transfer ownership and management to the foreign company after a defined period. This reduces the foreign company's upfront execution risk and can get a GCC operational faster, since the partner already has the hiring infrastructure and local knowledge in place.

Direct incorporation means the foreign company owns and builds the GCC itself from the start — full control, but also full responsibility for hiring, facilities, and India-specific operational knowledge, which takes longer to build organically.

BOT tends to suit companies entering India for the first time or moving quickly; direct incorporation suits companies with existing India experience or a strong preference for immediate full control.