Oracle has reportedly let go of nearly 10% of its workforce in India, impacting thousands across multiple business functions. This restructuring follows closely on the heels of a high-profile meeting between Oracle CEO Larry Wilson and U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as the announcement of a landmark AI partnership with OpenAI.
India has long been a strategic location for Oracle, with close to 28,824 employees based in major cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Noida, Mumbai, and Kolkata. According to Data Centre Dynamics, the layoffs have affected staff across software development, cloud services, and customer support, with many employees receiving little notice and limited clarity around severance or redeployment. Oracle has framed the move as part of an ongoing “restructuring” effort, though the scale and timing of the job cuts have raised eyebrows.
What adds to the controversy is the proximity of the layoffs to recent geopolitical developments. Oracle’s CEO recently met President Trump in Washington, where sources suggest discussions centered around domestic hiring, data sovereignty, and technology alliances. Shortly after, Oracle announced a significant cloud infrastructure deal with OpenAI, under which it will process vast amounts of AI data. Industry experts believe the company may be reallocating resources toward the U.S. market, aligning with Trump’s emphasis on reducing offshore dependence and minimizing H-1B visa use.
While India appears to be the most heavily affected, Oracle has also implemented job reductions in North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In Seattle alone, more than 150 employees were informed their positions had been eliminated, while in Mexico, job losses could mirror those in India. Reports have emerged of employees in other countries being summoned to confidential meetings, indicating a broader global workforce reshuffle.
These cuts are consistent with a wider trend in the tech industry. As AI infrastructure investments surge, companies are recalibrating by cutting costs elsewhere. Microsoft has trimmed 15,000 roles this year, while Amazon and Meta have also slowed hiring. Oracle’s involvement in the nearly $500 billion Stargate project with OpenAI and SoftBank—requiring massive U.S.-based data center power—is seen as a driving factor behind these changes.
Despite Oracle’s long-standing presence in India, including expansion into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, the layoffs mark a strategic shift in focus rather than a complete halt to hiring. The company continues to recruit in the U.S., signaling a realignment toward domestic priorities.
