How to Choose the Right Partner to Setup ODC in India

As global businesses continue to seek efficient ways to scale, innovate, and reduce operational costs, setting up an Offshore Development Centre (ODC) has become a top strategy. India, in particular, has emerged as a preferred destination for setting up ODCs due to its rich talent pool, cost efficiency, and robust IT infrastructure.

However, the key to a successful ODC isn’t just about choosing the right country—it’s about choosing the right partner to setup ODC in India. The partner you choose can determine whether your offshore venture thrives or falters.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the most critical factors to consider when selecting a partner to help establish your ODC in India and why choosing wisely can unlock long-term growth.

Why India is the Ideal Destination for ODCs

Before diving into partner selection, let’s briefly understand why India stands out for offshore development:

• Massive Talent Pool: India produces over 1.5 million engineers annually, with a strong focus on IT and emerging technologies.

• Cost Advantages: Businesses can significantly reduce operational and staffing costs.

• Strong IT Ecosystem: From startups to tech giants, India has a thriving ecosystem ready to support global businesses.

• Time Zone Compatibility: Convenient time overlaps with North America, Europe, and Asia.

These factors have made ODC India a magnet for companies seeking scalability and innovation.

Understanding the Offshore Development Centre Model

The offshore development centre model involves setting up a dedicated, remote team that operates as an extension of your internal workforce. These centers can be managed in-house or through a reliable third-party partner who handles everything from infrastructure to recruitment and administration.

Partnering with the right ODC company ensures:

• Seamless alignment with your business goals

• Reduced administrative burdens

• Access to a pre-built infrastructure and proven processes

The Importance of Choosing the Right ODC Partner

Choosing the right ODC partner is crucial for several reasons:

• You entrust them with your operations, security, and intellectual property.

• The success of your projects and digital transformation heavily depends on their capabilities.

• A good partner helps you navigate local laws, compliance, and cultural nuances in India.

So how do you find the ideal match? Let’s break it down.

1. Evaluate Their Industry Experience

Start by researching the experience of potential ODC companies in India. How long have they been in the business? Do they specialize in your industry or offer generic development services?

Look for:

• Years of experience in offshore development

• Past projects aligned with your domain

• Client case studies and testimonials

• Ability to adapt to various tech stacks

An experienced partner brings not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of challenges and solutions in global collaboration.

2. Assess Infrastructure and Technology Capabilities

When setting up an offshore development centre, the quality of infrastructure plays a critical role. Your partner should provide world-class facilities, tools, and technologies that meet international standards.

Key areas to check:

• Secure office premises and data protection measures

• High-speed internet, backup systems, and power redundancy

• Access to licensed development tools and collaborative platforms

• Scalable IT infrastructure to support team expansion

A well-equipped partner can deliver faster onboarding, better security, and uninterrupted operations.

3. Check Their Talent Acquisition Process

The strength of your ODC depends on the quality of its people. A good partner will have a robust recruitment process to attract, vet, and retain top-tier talent in India.

Ask about:

• Sourcing strategies and recruitment timelines

• Technical screening and interview processes

• Hiring for niche skills and emerging technologies

• Employee retention rates and training programs

The right partner ensures you get the best-fit developers without having to micromanage the hiring process.

4. Review Their Compliance and Legal Knowledge

Navigating Indian labor laws, tax regulations, and IP protections can be complex. Your partner should help you remain compliant while setting up and operating your ODC in India.

Look for partners who:

• Handle legal incorporation, tax setup, and HR compliance

• Offer NDAs, SLAs, and strong IP protection policies

• Have an in-house legal team or work with reputed law firms

Ensuring compliance protects your business from future legal risks.

5. Transparency and Communication

Offshore relationships thrive on clear communication and transparency. Your ODC partner should offer transparent pricing, performance tracking, and regular updates.

You should expect:

• Dedicated account managers and communication channels

• Use of collaboration tools like Jira, Slack, Confluence

• Real-time reporting on progress, performance, and risks

• Clear escalation matrix in case of issues

Transparent partners help build trust and long-term success.

6. Flexibility and Scalability

Your business will evolve—so should your ODC. A good partner provides flexible engagement models and scalable solutions that align with your growth.

Check if they offer:

• Fixed, time-and-materials, or hybrid pricing models

• Ability to scale team size up/down quickly

• Dedicated vs. shared resource options

• Support for evolving tech stacks or business models

Flexibility helps you respond to market changes without heavy investments.

7. Cultural Compatibility and Time Zone Management

Cultural understanding and time zone compatibility are often overlooked but vital. Smooth integration with your in-house team can boost productivity and collaboration.

Evaluate:

• English proficiency and soft skills of team members

• Understanding of Western work culture and ethics

• Willingness to align work hours with your business hours

• Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, and DevOps methodologies

A culturally compatible partner reduces friction and improves team synergy.

8. Post-Setup Support and Governance

The job doesn’t end once the ODC is set up. Continuous support, performance monitoring, and governance are key to sustained success.

Your partner should offer:

• Ongoing HR and admin support

• Monthly/quarterly business reviews

• Resource performance tracking and KPIs

• Scope for tech upgrades and innovation workshops

This proactive approach ensures your offshore development centre stays relevant and effective.

9. Client References and Reputation

Finally, don’t forget to verify your partner’s reputation. A reliable ODC India partner will be open to sharing client references and success stories.

Do your homework:

• Explore online reviews, Clutch ratings, and LinkedIn recommendations

• Request direct client references

• Look at long-term client partnerships

A strong reputation reflects consistency, credibility, and value delivery.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an ODC in India offers immense advantages—from cost savings and top talent to innovation and scalability. But to fully unlock these benefits, you need the right partner—one that not only understands your business but also empowers it to grow.

When evaluating ODC companies in India, focus on experience, transparency, infrastructure, talent acquisition, legal knowledge, and long-term support. These factors make all the difference between a transactional outsourcing partner and a strategic business ally.

A trusted partner will not only help you establish an efficient offshore development centre but also drive your digital transformation and innovation forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing the right partner to setup ODC in India is essential for long-term success.

• Evaluate partners on experience, infrastructure, recruitment, and compliance.

• Transparent communication and cultural compatibility are crucial for smooth collaboration.

• A scalable and flexible partner ensures your ODC can grow with your business.