The move, first reported by The New York Times, highlights the transfer of some skilled jobs to low-wage countries such as India by a number of companies including IBM, the world's largest information technology company.

The moves in India were indicated in what was claimed to be an internal company document posted on the website of the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers, of Washtech, which seeks to unionize high-tech workers.

It indicated IBM's Indian workforce would rise to 38,196 in 2005 from 24,150 in 2004.

IBM declined to comment on the document or specific workforce levels. But company spokesman Edward Barbini said IBM is increasing its staff in high-growth countries such as India to meet increasing demands.

"IBM India has seen double-digit growth in the last five years," Barbini told AFP. "In 2004, IBM India recorded revenue growth of 45 percent. We ended December 31 with roughly 23,000 employees in India making IBM India's sixth largest IT employer."