Oracle lays off nearly 10% of workforce in India; know why
PTC Web Desk: Oracle, one of the world’s largest software companies, has carried out a major round of layoffs in India, affecting nearly 10 percent of its workforce. The decision comes just days after the company announced a landmark partnership with OpenAI and senior leadership met US President Donald Trump, sparking speculation about a strategic shift.
India has long been a crucial hub for Oracle, employing close to 28,824 persons across major technology centres such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Noida, Mumbai, and Kolkata. According to reports, the layoffs have impacted employees in software development, cloud services, and customer support. Many employees were caught off guard, with little clarity on severance packages or redeployment options.
The timing of the cuts has raised questions, as they followed high-level discussions in Washington focused on domestic hiring and technology partnerships. Soon after, Oracle announced its tie-up with OpenAI, which will see massive volumes of artificial intelligence data processed on Oracle’s infrastructure. Industry experts believe the company is shifting resources towards the US market, aligning with Washington’s focus on reducing offshoring and dependence on H-1B visas.
While India appears to be the hardest hit, Oracle’s restructuring is global in nature. Employees in the United States, Canada, and Mexico have also faced job losses. In Seattle, more than 150 staff members were laid off, while reports from Mexico suggest cuts on a scale similar to India. Employees in other regions have reportedly been called for undisclosed meetings with managers, heightening fears of broader downsizing.
The layoffs are part of a larger trend in the tech industry, where companies are cutting costs to fund multi-billion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. Microsoft has already let go of 15,000 employees this year, while Amazon and Meta have slowed hiring. Oracle’s partnership with OpenAI, linked to the ambitious $500 billion "Stargate" project with SoftBank, requires massive infrastructure investment, including up to 4.5 gigawatts of data centre power in the US.
India has been a strategic base for Oracle for over two decades, supporting its global software and cloud business. The company has also expanded into smaller cities like Jaipur, Bhopal, and Chandigarh.
- With inputs from agencies
