Concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) will trigger widespread job losses have persisted for years. However, a recent study suggests the fear may be overstated, pointing to a net gain in employment linked to AI adoption in India.
Nomura Holdings Inc, a Tokyo-headquartered global financial services and investment banking firm, analysed trends across Asia from 2022 to August 2026. In its report, the firm said India recorded 31,921 layoffs during this period that were attributed to the impact of AI.
The report noted that many of these job cuts were connected to the use of customer-support chatbots. At the same time, it said 83,100 people in India gained employment due to AI, with companies explicitly citing AI as the reason for hiring.
According to Nomura, countries such as India and Korea are seeing rising demand for highly experienced technology professionals as AI usage expands. The firm added that similar patterns are visible in large economies and in the Philippines, where the labour market plays a significant role in the broader economy.
