Exlservice Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed data analytics and AI services company, is expanding its footprint in India by setting up two new delivery centres in tier-2 or tier-3 cities this year. The move comes as global IT spending continues to increase, with a growing share allocated to artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives.
According to CEO Rohit Kapoor, EXL has identified suitable smaller city locations that offer robust infrastructure and access to local talent, and plans to build the new facilities to support client services and operations. These centres are expected to each start with a meaningful workforce, helping attract both management and technical talent outside the traditional metros.
EXL already employs a significant portion of its global workforce in India — around 45,000 of over 60,000 employees — underscoring the country’s importance to its delivery model. The new centres will further leverage India’s strong pool of data analytics, digital operations and AI expertise.
The company’s revenue mix reflects this focus: approximately 56 % comes from data analytics and AI-related services, with the remainder from digital operations. While the US remains its largest market, most of EXL’s growth strategies are being enabled by talent and infrastructure in India.
Kapoor noted that client demand has shifted from traditional IT maintenance work toward AI-driven workflow reimagination, where human operators and AI tools collaborate to create new efficiencies. With rising AI spending expected in 2026 and beyond, EXL is positioning itself to capitalise on this trend by enhancing its delivery capabilities and expanding its service centres.
In summary: EXL’s announcement highlights how rising investments in AI and related technologies are reshaping global IT spend and driving companies to build regional innovation and delivery hubs in India, tapping local talent beyond major metros.
