Salesforce's Arundhati Bhattacharya on Redeploying Engineers into Forward-Deployed Roles Across India

Salesforce Accelerates AI-Driven Transformation in India

Salesforce, a leading software major, is undergoing a significant internal reshuffle and reworking of workforce budgets as it accelerates its transition into an AI-first CRM company.

The company's Indian workforce has experienced substantial growth, increasing from 2,500 employees in 2020 to over 17,000 employees across six locations in the country. This growth is a testament to India's critical role in Salesforce's global operations. The company has also achieved a significant milestone, crossing $1 billion in revenue in India in fiscal year 2025, with a growth rate of over 45% in profits and revenue.

According to Arundhati Bhattacharya, Salesforce South Asia President and CEO, the demand for Salesforce in India is driven by the country's growing economy. Many companies, both new and legacy, are adopting digital applications and upgrading themselves to stay competitive. As a result, the growth reflects the rapid evolution of technology in the country.

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Salesforce's AI-led restructuring is also having a positive impact on its operations in India. The company is redeploying employees from support roles to sales functions, leveraging AI to enhance productivity and drive business growth. This approach is in line with Marc Benioff's vision of reducing the need for new engineers and driving productivity gains through AI.

Salesforce's AI adoption in India is also influencing its pricing models. The company is shifting from a traditional per-user-per-month pricing model to a more flexible, consumption-based model. This change is aimed at providing customers with more value for their money and adapting to the evolving needs of the market.

In contrast to the US, where AI adoption is higher, India is still experiencing some hesitancy, particularly in the public sector, due to concerns about cloud usage. However, startups in India are adopting AI at a rapid pace, leveraging the latest technology to drive innovation.

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In terms of hiring, Salesforce will focus on recruiting individuals with fluidity or fluency in AI, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to thrive in the company's AI-driven environment. With a growing demand for AI talent, the company is setting its sights on hiring for a range of roles, including sales, product, and general activities like finance and compliance.

As Salesforce continues to transform its operations in India, it is clear that the company is committed to leveraging AI to drive business growth and stay ahead of the competition.