Qualcomm begins layoffs in India as part of global restructuring

Chipmaker Qualcomm has officially commenced workforce reductions in India, with reports indicating that approximately 1,000 or more roles are at risk. The first phase of the downsizing exercise began at the company's Bengaluru facility on Monday. This development follows similar job cuts in the United States, as the company undertakes a broad, global restructuring initiative affecting operations across various regions.

Qualcomm India layoffs

Sources indicate that the global restructuring could impact roughly 7 percent of the company's total workforce. Qualcomm employed about 52,000 people globally, primarily on a full-time basis. With a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees in India, analysts estimate that the country could account for around 1,000 job losses or slightly more based on proportional estimates. Pareekh Jain, CEO and lead analyst at EIIRTrend, noted that layoffs in the country can be estimated at around 1,000 employees or a little higher at a similar ratio.

Qualcomm has started phased job cuts in India, putting around 1,000 positions at risk.

CEO Cristiano Amon explained in an internal memo last month that the restructuring aims to align required skills with business expansion and build a stronger performance culture following annual reviews. Employees affected by the cuts have been offered severance packages equivalent to three months of pay, linked to their tenure. Furthermore, staff members who sign their relieving documents within three days are eligible for an additional month of salary. Market analysts anticipate another round of job cuts in January.

In the US, Qualcomm is expected to file notices under the state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act in California. Meanwhile, the company reported strong financial earnings, with revenue reaching $10.44 billion, surpassing market forecasts. The corporation anticipates that growth in non-smartphone sectors, such as data centers and artificial intelligence markets, will offset traditional handset revenue by fiscal 2027.

Why it matters

The reported workforce reductions in India mark a significant shift for the chipmaker's regional operations, reflecting broader corporate adjustments in the technology sector. As Qualcomm pivots its business toward data centers and artificial intelligence applications, the phased restructuring impacts regional staff while altering the company's operational footprint.