NTT Data's Strategic Leap: Building a High-Impact India Hub

NTT Data has embarked on an ambitious journey in India by setting up a large deals hub aimed at capturing full-stack projects worth at least $100 million, with many prospects expected to exceed the $400–$500 million mark. This strategic move reinforces the company’s commitment to seizing high-value contracts while expanding its global footprint.

A Bold Vision for Global Growth

At the forefront of this initiative is Sudhir Chaturvedi, NTT Data's Global Chief Growth Officer and CEO for North America. Speaking confidently about the plan, Chaturvedi revealed that the hub will be dedicated to pursuing large deals. The executive emphasized that while the minimum deal size is set at $100 million, the firm's target frequently ranges into deals valued between $400 million and $500 million. Additionally, NTT Data is in the race for larger contracts, some amounting to over $1 billion, especially in North America, the firm’s largest and fastest-growing market.

Expanding the Workforce and Investing in Technology

NTT Data’s India operations are not merely a back-office function but the heart of its global delivery network. With a current workforce of about 40,000 in India—the largest outside Japan—the company plans a 10–15% increase in headcount (an addition of 4,000–6,500 employees) in the coming year. This expansion is bolstered by:

• Significant Investments: Over $3 billion injected into the Indian market since 2007.
• Strategic Acquisitions: The November 2024 acquisition of Udupi-based cloud engineering firm Niveus Solutions, which brought in 1,000 skilled professionals.
• Focused Recruitment: A push to hire specialized talent such as solution architects, enterprise architects, AI and data architects, alongside strengthening programme management and go-to-market teams.

Harnessing AI for Cost Reduction and Infrastructure Modernization

In the wake of global economic uncertainties and evolving client budgets, NTT Data sees a silver lining in the growing emphasis on technology spending. The company is leveraging AI-led cost reduction strategies to help clients manage expenditures amid tariff pressures and shifting US policies. This focus on artificial intelligence extends to AI-driven infrastructure upgrades, including enhancements in data centers, networks, and application security systems.

Chaturvedi is optimistic about the trends, observing that despite various market challenges, clients continue to invest in technology solutions that not only streamline operations but also offer strategic value in terms of cost-efficiency.

Looking Forward: The Future of High-Value Deals

NTT Data's calculated expansion in India is set to amplify its revenue streams, with a plan to boost global net new dollar revenue by 20% in the fiscal year 2025–26, building on nearly $5 billion in the current financial year. The India hub is expected to serve as a nexus for strategic alliances in the Southeast corridor, ensuring robust support for the company’s worldwide operations.

With this forward-thinking strategy, NTT Data is not just adapting to the evolving technology landscape but is proactively shaping it. The narrative of growth and innovation continues to unfold as the firm sets the stage for an era of high-value, AI-driven deals on the global stage.