Archive · 15 Nov 2025
20 Million Indian Jobs at Risk Due to AI and Trade Tensions, Warns Expert
Imagine robots and smart computer programs, like AI, are getting really good at doing jobs that people used to do, especially in offices.
A person named Saurabh Mukherjea thinks this is making it hard for many people in India who have regular jobs in places like banks or computer companies.
He believes many of these jobs might disappear and turn into temporary 'gig' jobs, like driving a car for a short ride.
This is happening because companies want to save money and work faster using AI.
Also, if India and the United States have arguments about trade, it could cause even more people to lose their jobs.
Many families also have a lot of debt, which makes it harder for them to manage if they lose their income.
India faces a potential jobs crisis, particularly in the middle-class white-collar sector, driven by automation and AI.
Saurabh Mukherjea warns that up to 20 million Indian jobs could be lost, transforming the job market into a large gig economy.
Companies are increasingly replacing human employees with AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs across various sectors like IT, banking, and media.
High household debt in India, standing at 33-34% of income excluding home loans, adds to the economic vulnerability.
Trade tensions with the United States and potential tariffs could exacerbate the job losses, with warnings of up to 20 million jobs at risk by Christmas.
- Who
- Saurabh Mukherjea, founder of Marcellus Investment Managers
- What
- Potential loss of up to 20 million middle-class jobs due to automation, AI, and trade headwinds, leading to a shift towards a gig economy.
- When
- Impact could be fully absorbed in two to three years; job loss due to trade tensions could occur by Christmas if tariffs are not rolled back.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Companies are adopting AI to cut costs and boost efficiency, replacing human workers. Additionally, trade tensions with the United States pose a significant risk to export-driven jobs.
- Expert
- Saurabh Mukherjea, Founder of Marcellus Investment Managers
- Primary Driver of Job Loss
- Automation and AI adoption by companies
- Potential Job Loss Estimate
- Up to 20 million jobs
- Contributing Factor
- US trade tensions and tariffs
- Household Debt Level
- 33-34% of income (excluding home loans)
- Affected Sectors
- IT, banking, media, advertising