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Google Introduces AI Feature for Users in India

Bradley Bosch

Google launched its AI mode, a Q&A-style search tool, for users in India today. The company mentioned that this tool is currently in the experimental phase, and users will need to opt in via Search Labs.

Once opted in, users can pose queries in English. Google did not clarify whether it will support local languages or when that feature might become available.

Users can seek answers to intricate, multi-part queries like, “My kids are 4 and 7 and have lots of energy. Suggest creative ways to get them active and moving indoors, especially on hot days, without needing a lot of space or expensive toys.” Furthermore, users can ask follow-up questions to fine-tune their results.

Earlier this year, Google began testing AI mode with premium subscribers in the U.S. Following the Google IO event, the company started a broader rollout of the feature to all users in the U.S. Over time, it has incorporated shopping features, added voice and image search support, and introduced advertisements.

The company noted that voice and image search features are available for users in India, given that voice is a widely used mode for search. It highlighted that AI mode operates on a custom version of Gemini 2.5. Moreover, early testers of the AI mode are reportedly asking queries that are 2-3 times longer.

With over 870 million internet users, India stands as one of Google’s largest markets. It also serves as a testing ground for the company to study how multilingual users engage with its products.

While Google maintains a dominant position in the search market, there has been a notable shift with users increasingly adopting chat-based AI tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity in their everyday activities. With AI mode, Google aims to attract those users who prefer this type of interface to its own platform.

In addition to AI mode, Google has been promoting products like AI overviews, which summarize query results. The company reported in April that over 1.5 billion people globally are using AI overviews. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Google’s AI features are affecting publishers, who have noticed drops in traffic from organic search.