Microsoft Confirms No Layoffs in India Despite Global Job Reductions

3 months ago 29

Published on January 13, 2025
In AI News

“More jobs are being created for India,” Puneet Chandok, president of Microsoft India and South Asia, said.

Microsoft has clarified that there will be no layoffs in its India operations, even as it reduces its global workforce by less than 1% based on performance evaluations. According to a report by BusinessLine, Puneet Chandok, president of Microsoft India and South Asia, highlighted the company’s active projects and its focus on job creation in the country.

Microsoft’s India workforce comprises approximately 20,000 employees out of a global workforce of 2,28,000. Addressing the layoffs, Chandok reportedly stated, “No, not in India…We are engaged in so many projects. In fact, for all of India, more jobs are being created.”

Microsoft’s India Vision

CEO Satya Nadella recently announced Microsoft’s $3 billion investment to expand Azure’s infrastructure in India, marking the company’s largest investment in the country to date. This initiative aims to enhance AI and computing capabilities by adding new data centres and incorporating sustainable practices, such as liquid-cooled AI accelerators and zero-waste construction.

Microsoft also plans to train 10 million people in AI by 2030 as part of its ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative. This will strengthen India’s position as an AI and cloud hub.

During his visit, Nadella met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss India’s AI-driven future and praised the synergy between India’s demographics, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and AI ambitions.

Nadella reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to fostering AI innovation and expanding its presence in the country while also highlighting a broader $80 billion global investment planned for FY 2025 to establish AI-enabled data centres.

India plays a key role in Microsoft’s global operations with 20,000 employees across 10 cities and has seen robust growth in its cloud and AI services. The company reported a 38.44% increase in net profit for its India business. Nadella also emphasised partnerships with Indian entities such as RailTel, Apollo Hospitals, and upGrad to accelerate AI adoption across sectors to further solidify Microsoft’s leadership in India’s AI ecosystem.