Nokia Plans Global Workforce Reduction; India Operations to See Restructuring Impact

Nokia is preparing to reduce its global workforce as part of a broader restructuring strategy aimed at improving efficiency and addressing ongoing industry challenges. The company is expected to cut up to 14,000 roles worldwide, representing nearly 20% of its total workforce of more than 74,000 employees.
India, where Nokia employs over 17,000 people, is likely to be affected by these changes. The planned restructuring comes amid a wider trend of cost-cutting measures across the global technology and telecom sectors.
The decision follows a decline in Nokia’s business performance in India. The company reported a 15% year-on-year drop in net sales for the fourth quarter of 2025, with revenues decreasing to 393 million euros compared to 463 million euros during the same period a year earlier. This decline has added urgency to its restructuring efforts.
In India, job reductions are expected to span multiple functions, particularly in areas where roles may overlap following the integration of its network and cloud businesses. The restructuring is intended to streamline operations and reduce duplication.
Over the longer term, Nokia’s workforce has been gradually declining, from around 103,000 employees in 2018 to approximately 74,000 today. Similar workforce adjustments have been observed across the telecom industry, including at Ericsson, which has also implemented cost-cutting measures in recent years.

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