EY India Implements Work-from-Home Policy Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

Ernst & Young Issues Advisory for Northern Offices in Wake of Security Threats

Ernst & Young (EY) India has directed employees across several key northern cities to work from home on May 9, 2025, as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate. Offices in Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad have been explicitly instructed to follow a work-from-home protocol, according to an internal communication accessed by Moneycontrol. This preemptive move is part of the firm’s broader risk mitigation strategy, prioritizing employee safety in regions placed on high alert due to heightened military activity near India’s western borders.

Highlights:

• EY India enforces WFH for Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad offices.

• Employees in other cities allowed flexibility to work remotely based on local conditions.

• Action taken in view of increased cross-border hostilities and regional alerts.

Internal Memo Highlights Employee Safety and Flexible Office Operations

The internal memo emphasized that EY is closely monitoring developments and would issue further guidance over the weekend. For locations not explicitly named in the directive, employees have been given the discretion to work from home based on situational awareness and safety. The firm has yet to provide an official public statement in response to media queries but is expected to update its stance if circumstances evolve further.

Highlights:

• Memo advises WFH only for May 9 with updates expected soon.

• Offices in non-alerted zones remain functional with flexible work options.

• Official public response from EY is still awaited.

Geopolitical Tensions Disrupt Business Continuity in Affected States

The move by EY India comes in response to a sharp intensification in cross-border attacks, with multiple drone and missile strikes targeting Indian military installations. Critical sites like Jammu Airport and Pathankot Airbase were subjected to Pakistani aggression on the night of May 8. In response, India’s air defence forces intercepted at least eight missiles and numerous drones. As a result, several state governments have implemented emergency protocols including school closures, cancellation of public events, and activation of blackout drills in border districts.

Highlights:

• Attacks focused on Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan military zones.

• Indian defence systems successfully neutralized aerial threats.

• States including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, WB, and Bihar implement emergency civil measures.