US and global tech giants have disclosed over 1,00,000 job cuts across 2025 and early 2026, with Amazon leading the pack at 30,184 layoffs, followed by Intel (27,058) and Microsoft (15,347). These reductions, driven largely by AI adoption, cost-cutting, and restructuring, are sending ripples across the Indian IT industry, affecting thousands of Indian engineers, H-1B visa holders, and NRIs working in the United States.

While Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported over 1.2 million total US job cuts in 2025 (the highest since the pandemic) and around 217,000 in Q1 2026, tech-specific disclosed layoffs by major firms highlight a continued efficiency drive amid heavy AI investments.

Top Disclosed Layoffs in 2025 and 2026 (So Far)

Here is the list of major companies and their announced job cuts:

1. Amazon — 30,184 jobs
2. Intel — 27,058 jobs
3. Microsoft — 15,347 jobs
4. HP — 8,000 jobs
5. Meta — 5,800 jobs
6. Salesforce — 5,385 jobs
7. Block — 4,931 jobs
8. Northvolt — 2,800 jobs
9. Hewlett Packard — 2,552 jobs
10. Autodesk — 2,350 jobs
11. Workday — 2,150 jobs
12. Synopsys — 2,000 jobs
13. WiseTech — 2,000 jobs
14. Atlassian — 1,950 jobs
15. ASML — 1,700 jobs

These figures represent disclosed or tracked reductions spanning late 2025 and early 2026, with many companies citing AI-driven automation, flattening organizational structures, and shifting budgets toward generative AI and cloud infrastructure.

Why Are Tech Giants Cutting Jobs?

• AI Transformation: Companies are reallocating resources from traditional roles (coding, testing, support, middle management) to AI/ML, data centers, and high-value engineering. Amazon, for instance, combined multiple rounds (14,000 in late 2025 + 16,000 in early 2026) as part of an “anti-bureaucracy” push while ramping up AI spending.
• Cost Optimization: Intel’s massive cuts (targeting 15-25% of workforce) aimed to save billions amid slowing chip demand and fierce competition from TSMC and NVIDIA in the AI space.
• Post-Pandemic Correction: Many firms overhired during the 2020-2022 boom and are now streamlining.
• Federal and Broader Economic Factors: 2025 also saw significant US government workforce reductions, indirectly affecting contractors and tech suppliers.

Impact on Indian IT Professionals and NRIs

India supplies the largest number of H-1B visa holders in the US tech sector, and these layoffs have hit Indian talent hard:

• H-1B and Visa Challenges: Laid-off professionals get a 60-day grace period to find new sponsorship or change status. Many are exploring EB-2/EB-3 green card routes, O-1 visas, or returning to India.
• Reverse Brain Drain: Thousands of Indian engineers in their late 20s and 30s have returned to cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. While some secure senior roles in Indian firms (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, or startups), salary adjustments and cultural readjustment remain challenges.
• Offshore vs Onshore Shift: US cuts sometimes lead to more hiring or project shifts to lower-cost Indian delivery centers, creating mixed outcomes for the Indian IT services industry.
• Skill Shift Needed: Demand is rising for AI, GenAI, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and prompt engineering skills. Traditional software development and QA roles face higher pressure.

Hyderabad and Bengaluru-based professionals working with clients at Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Meta, or Salesforce have reported increased anxiety, with many upskilling through platforms like Coursera or company-sponsored programs.

Broader Context: 2025 vs 2026 Layoffs

• 2025 was one of the toughest years for US employment, with over 1.2 million announced cuts — heavily influenced by government efficiency drives and tech restructuring.
• Early 2026 has seen a slowdown in overall numbers compared to 2025 peaks, but tech continues selective reductions. Q1 2026 recorded 217,362 cuts, the lowest first-quarter total since 2022, yet AI remains a key driver (accounting for a significant portion of tech announcements).

Despite layoffs, the overall US labor market has shown resilience, with hiring in non-tech sectors and stable unemployment. However, tech hiring remains cautious.

What Indian Professionals Should Do Next

1. Upskill Aggressively: Prioritize AI/ML certifications, cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), and domain expertise.
2. Build a Strong Profile: Update LinkedIn, network via IIT/IIM alumni groups, and prepare for interviews emphasizing AI impact.
3. Visa and Financial Planning: Consult immigration experts early. Maintain 6-12 months of emergency funds.
4. Explore India Opportunities: Many returning NRIs are finding leadership roles in Indian unicorns or MNC captive centers with competitive compensation packages.
5. Diversify: Consider opportunities in Europe, Canada, Singapore, or Gulf countries as backup plans.

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