Google introduces AI mode to users in India

Google has officially introduced its experimental AI mode, a sophisticated Q&A-style search tool, to users across India today. This innovative feature, still in its developmental stages, requires users to opt-in through Search Labs to experience its capabilities.

Upon activation, users can engage with the AI mode by posing queries exclusively in English. Google has yet to announce specific timelines or plans for supporting local Indian languages, a development keenly anticipated given India’s linguistic diversity.

The AI mode empowers users to tackle complex, multi-part queries, moving beyond simple keyword searches. For instance, a user could ask, “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, the system allows for follow-up questions to progressively refine search results, providing a more intuitive and conversational search experience.

This rollout in India follows a phased global introduction. Google initially tested the AI mode with premium subscribers in the U.S. earlier this year, before broadly rolling out the feature to all U.S. users following its Google I/O event. Since then, the company has continuously enhanced the tool, integrating features such as a shopping capability, and introducing voice and image search support. Notably, Google has also begun incorporating advertisements within the AI mode experience.

For Indian users, Google confirms that voice and image search functionalities are fully supported, acknowledging the widespread preference for voice-based interactions in the region. The AI mode is powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5, Google’s advanced AI model. Early data from testers indicates a significant shift in user behavior, with queries being 2-3 times longer than traditional searches, reflecting a deeper engagement with the AI-driven interface.

With over 870 million internet users, India stands as one of Google’s largest and most crucial markets globally. It frequently serves as a strategic testing ground for the company to observe and understand how its products are adopted and utilized by a diverse, multilingual user base.

In an evolving digital landscape where chat-based AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are gaining traction, Google’s AI mode is a strategic move to retain users who prefer interactive, conversational interfaces for their information needs. It underscores Google’s commitment to innovating its core search product to meet changing user expectations.

Beyond the AI mode, Google has been actively pushing other AI-powered features, such as AI Overviews, which summarize search results directly. As of April, over 1.5 billion people worldwide are utilizing AI Overviews. However, recent reports from The Wall Street Journal and corroborated by TechCrunch suggest that Google’s expanding AI features may be impacting publishers by causing a notable drop-off in organic search traffic.