Amazon Announces Layoffs in India Amid Global Workforce Reduction
Amazon has initiated a series of layoffs in India as part of its broader global strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. This move aligns with the company’s recent announcement to cut up to 30,000 corporate jobs worldwide, representing nearly 10% of its 350,000 corporate workforce.
Impact on Indian Workforce
In India, the layoffs have affected approximately 500 employees across various departments, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), human resources, and support functions. This reduction is part of the additional 9,000 global layoffs announced in March 2023, which followed an earlier elimination of 18,000 positions in January 2023.
Strategic Shift Towards AI and Automation
The downsizing is driven by Amazon’s strategic shift towards automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The company is investing heavily in AI and cloud operations, with over $100 billion allocated this year for capital investments. CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized the need to streamline management and reduce bureaucracy, aiming to increase the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Leadership Changes in Devices Division
In addition to workforce reductions, Amazon’s devices division has experienced significant leadership changes. Rob Williams, Vice President of Device Software and Services and a member of the elite S-team advising CEO Andy Jassy, announced his departure at the end of 2025. Shortly thereafter, Lindo St. Angel, Vice President of Hardware for Lab126, also confirmed his exit, marking the second high-profile departure in October 2025.
Employee Reactions and Legal Implications
The layoffs have prompted reactions from employees and labor organizations in India. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) filed a complaint with the Pune Labour Commission, leading to a summons for Amazon to appear on January 17, 2023. The labor office is investigating the voluntary separation program introduced by Amazon, which has been described as “unethical and illegal” by NITES.
As Amazon continues to navigate economic challenges and invest in AI technologies, the company remains focused on restructuring its workforce to align with its long-term strategic goals.
