IT Firms Urge Work From Home Amid India-Pakistan Conflict, Impose Travel Restrictions

As geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan intensify, leading Indian IT and global consulting firms have issued precautionary advisories to employees based in high-risk regions. Companies such as HCLTech, Deloitte, EY, Tech Mahindra, and KPMG are prioritizing employee safety by recommending work from home (WFH) in areas like Delhi-NCR and northern states, as reported by a news agency.

Remote Work & Travel Advisory

The advisories primarily affect employees located in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Chandigarh, and other regions flagged under security alerts. Moneycontrol quoted sources stating that Deloitte India has advised its workforce to postpone all non-essential travel, both domestic and international. Additionally, a command centre hotline has been set up to support staff amid the crisis.

“For professionals deployed in border states, the advisory is to return to their base location as soon as possible,”
a source familiar with the matter told a news agency.

Employees have also been instructed to strictly follow all government-issued safety directives.

HCLTech, EY, Tech Mahindra Strengthen Safety Protocols

HCLTech, India’s third-largest IT services provider, designated May 9 as a mandatory WFH day across its Chandigarh, Noida, and Gurugram offices, according to an employee who spoke with a news agency.

Meanwhile, Tech Mahindra began a preparedness drive on May 7, urging employees to remain composed and avoid misinformation. The company also paused all non-essential travel and instructed staff not to discuss the conflict on social media or during client calls.

EY India rolled out WFH advisories for employees in Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, making it optional in other locations for May 9.

KPMG Offers Flexible Work Arrangements

Unlike others, KPMG India granted employees in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Jaipur the flexibility to decide whether to work from home, office, or client sites after discussion with their business managers.

“Our offices will however remain open to support critical business needs,”
a KPMG spokesperson told a news agency.

Rising Security Concerns and Government Response

Amid the corporate advisories, fresh explosions were reported in Jammu, triggering emergency sirens and a citywide blackout. Intelligence agencies increased surveillance after drone and missile attacks by Pakistan on military installations in Jammu and Pathankot on Thursday night.

In response to the ongoing threat, states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar have initiated school closures, district blackouts, and canceled leaves for law enforcement and administrative officials to strengthen preparedness.

Conclusion

The security escalation between India and Pakistan has significantly impacted corporate operations, especially in the IT and consulting sectors. Major firms like HCLTech, Deloitte, EY, Tech Mahindra, and KPMG have taken proactive steps to ensure employee safety by implementing work-from-home advisories and suspending non-essential travel.

These actions, particularly focused on the Delhi-NCR and northern regions, reflect the private sector’s responsiveness to geopolitical threats. Companies are not only prioritizing operational continuity but also supporting employees through dedicated hotlines and flexible work options.

Meanwhile, the Indian government and state authorities have intensified surveillance and emergency protocols, particularly in sensitive areas like Jammu and Pathankot. With security agencies on high alert and corporate India adopting cautious measures, the situation continues to evolve. Businesses and citizens alike are being urged to stay informed, follow official advisories, and avoid spreading unverified information.

The days ahead will determine the depth of impact on India’s security and business environment.