Qualcomm Initiates Global Job Cuts with Significant Impact Expected in India

U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm is implementing a global workforce reduction that is expected to impact its operations in India. While the company has not confirmed specific numbers for the region, industry analysts suggest that more than 1,000 Indian employees could lose their jobs as part of the restructuring.

In a memo sent to staff in October, CEO Cristiano Amon characterized the cuts as a way to foster a stronger performance culture. He noted that the company needed to address areas that failed to meet expectations while aligning its workforce with new business priorities and evolving technical requirements.

The layoffs come as the smartphone chip giant faces a downturn in consumer electronics sales. Financial reports show a 15% drop in non-GAAP net income for the 2026 fiscal year, with total revenue falling to $43.12 billion. The company's global workforce was recently recorded at approximately 57,000 people.

Unverified reports from employees in Bengaluru and Hyderabad indicate that notifications began in mid-November. Though the company described the cuts as performance-based, some accounts suggest the reductions have affected various organizational levels and specialized engineering teams regardless of individual ratings.