The change is not about headcount and will "not necessarily" result in fewer hours or lower pay for employees, he said.

Buying U.S. companies would help Indian IT firms build their local headcount, increase their on-the-ground presence in key markets and help counter any protectionist regulations.

The group's headcount of about 76,000 had already fallen by 1,500 since March from slower hiring rates and staff departures, he said.