The Indian IT stocks crash accelerated after Anthropic unveiled Claude Cowork, a desktop AI agent capable of handling legal tasks, coding, and file management without human coding. Priced accessibly for enterprises, this Anthropic AI tool directly threatens the low-cost staffing model that powers firms like Infosys and TCS.
Key Highlights:
1.FIIs sell ₹15,000 crore; options traders bet on further downside
2.Indian IT stocks crash hits Infosys (↓6.8%), TCS (↓5.9%), Wipro (↓6.5%) after Anthropic Claude Cowork launch
3.Nifty IT index drop of 4.2% wipes ₹2.5 lakh crore in market value
4.Anthropic AI tool automates legal tasks, coding, file management – threatens outsourcing model
4.AI disruption IT services: 20-30% Indian IT jobs at risk by 2028 (Nasscom)
5.SaaSpocalypse fears drive global tech selloff across US/India markets
Indian IT Stocks Crash: What Sparked the Selloff?
Market data shows Infosys stock fall leading the decline at 6.8%, followed by Wipro at 6.5% and TCS at 5.9% by midday trading. The Nifty IT index drop wiped out ₹2.5 lakh crore in market value, mirroring a broader global tech selloff fueled by SaaSpocalypse fears – the notion that AI agents will gut software-as-a-service revenues.
Analysts point to AI disruption IT services as the core issue. “This isn’t just hype; Claude Cowork integrates seamlessly into workflows, potentially slashing demand for offshore coders and analysts,” noted a report from Economic Times.
For content creators optimizing for vibe coding with RSS slop, this event underscores how AI tools evolve faster than traditional IT services.
Anthropic Claude Cowork: Features Fueling the Panic
Anthropic Claude Cowork, launched in research preview on January 11, 2026, acts as a “coworker” AI that browses files, executes tasks, and collaborates in real-time. Key capabilities include drafting contracts, reviewing compliance docs, and automating routine legal tasks – areas where Indian IT firms bill billions annually.
Unlike previous chatbots, Cowork runs locally on desktops, ensuring data privacy and speed for enterprises wary of cloud dependencies. Early adopters report 40-60% time savings on admin work, amplifying fears of widespread layoffs in India’s IT services sector.
This Anthropic AI tool builds on Claude’s strengths in reasoning, positioning it as a direct rival to OpenAI’s offerings. For those exploring best AI tools for business automation, Cowork exemplifies next-gen AI automation.
External validation comes from Reuters analysis on Anthropic’s impact, highlighting staffing concerns.
Infosys, TCS, Wipro Decline: By the Numbers
| Company | Pre-Launch Price (Feb 2) | Close (Feb 3) | % Decline | Market Cap Loss (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infosys | ₹1,856 | ₹1,730 | -6.8% | 82,000 |
| TCS | ₹4,120 | ₹3,885 | -5.9% | 1,15,000 |
| Wipro | ₹578 | ₹540 | -6.5% | 28,500 |
| HCLTech | ₹1,745 | ₹1,640 | -6.0% | 22,000 |
The table reveals the severity of the Infosys stock fall and peers, with ADRs in the US also tanking 5-7% pre-market. Broader Nifty IT index drop hit 4.2%, its worst since 2022.
Experts like Emkay Global’s analyst warn: “Repeated AI breakthroughs erode the arbitrage of Indian IT’s cost model.” This global tech selloff even pulled down peers like Persistent Systems and LTI Mindtree.
Why Launch of New AI Tool Hits Indian IT Hardest
India’s $250 billion IT industry relies on 5 million engineers for outsourcing legal tasks, software maintenance, and BPM. Claude Cowork targets these exactly, with benchmarks showing it outperforms juniors in accuracy for contract reviews.
SaaSpocalypse fears compound the issue: Investors fear clients like US banks will swap Indian teams for AI subscriptions costing pennies per task. Accenture’s prior warnings on AI headcount reductions now feel prophetic.
On aicorenews.com, we’ve covered AI impact on Indian tech sector extensively – this crash validates those trends. Check latest Anthropic AI updates for more.
Broader AI Disruption IT Services: What Lies Ahead?
Beyond stocks, this signals a seismic shift in AI business. Nasscom estimates 20-30% of Indian IT jobs at risk from agents like Cowork by 2028. Firms must pivot to AI integration services, as TCS and Infosys announced pilot programs yesterday.
Positive spins emerge: Wipro’s CEO stated, “AI tools like Anthropic’s will create new revenue streams for us.” Yet, short-term pain persists, with more volatility expected.
For SEO pros, use AI prompts for SEO optimization to craft content around AI disruption IT services. External insights from Times of India on IT crash provide deeper stats.
Market Reaction and Investor Strategies
Foreign investors sold ₹15,000 crore in IT stocks amid the rout, per BSE data. Options traders piled into puts, signaling bets on further downside.
Strategies for resilience:
- Diversify into AI enablers like Persistent or Zensar.
- Monitor Q4 earnings for AI adoption commentary.
- Hedge with non-IT sectors like pharma.
As Anthropic Claude Cowork rolls out widely, expect ongoing AI disruption IT services. Indian giants are ramping R&D – Infosys pledged $1B to AI this fiscal.
Outlook: Recovery or Deeper Trough?
While the Indian IT stocks crash feels brutal, history shows rebounds post-AI scares. Nifty IT could stabilize if Anthropic hype fades, but structural AI business changes are here.
Watch for Fed rate cues and US client spending. For now, TCS Wipro decline reflects valid SaaSpocalypse fears, urging firms to embrace AI tools.
