Google has introduced its experimental AI Mode search experience to users in India, offering a more conversational and context-aware way to interact with Search.
Highlights
- India Launch: Google has rolled out its Gemini-powered AI Mode for Search in India via Search Labs, offering more conversational and context-aware results.
- Conversational Queries: Users can now ask multi-step questions and refine them with follow-ups—mirroring natural dialogue.
- Voice & Image Support: India’s version includes voice and image input from day one, reflecting the country’s mobile-first search habits and top usage of Google Lens.
- Powered by Gemini 2.5: A custom-tuned model handles complex reasoning and “query fan-out” to deliver richer, source-backed answers.
- Early Behavior Trends: Search queries in AI Mode are 2–3x longer, pointing to more nuanced user engagement.
- AI Overviews & Shopping Help: Indian users also get AI-generated summaries and smart shopping tools alongside standard search.
- Concerns from Publishers: Content creators fear AI answers may reduce traffic to websites due to fewer clicks on traditional search links.
- Localized Testing Ground: Google calls this launch a “localized experiment” to test Gemini’s performance in India’s complex, multilingual market.
- No Regional Language Support Yet: Currently limited to English, with no announced plans for Hindi or other local languages.
The feature, powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5, is currently available in English through Search Labs, Google’s opt-in testing program.
Conversational Search Comes to India
AI Mode transforms traditional search by enabling users to ask multi-part, exploratory queries—and refine them in real time through follow-up questions. This allows for a more natural, dialogue-like interaction.
For instance, users can ask for ideas for indoor games for kids, then narrow results by age or space constraints without restarting their query.
The feature mirrors capabilities that were initially launched in the U.S. for premium users and expanded following Google I/O 2024.
Its debut in India marks a strategic move, given the country’s growing internet population—over 870 million users—and strong adoption of mobile-first and voice-based search habits.
Voice and Image Input from Day One
Unlike its earlier international rollouts, India’s version of AI Mode includes voice and image input support at launch.
This integration reflects the country’s dominant search patterns. Google notes that India leads the world in Google Lens usage, underscoring the importance of multimodal tools in the local market.
The ability to use both spoken prompts and visual cues within AI Mode aligns with how Indian users typically engage with Search—especially on mobile devices and in environments where typing may not be ideal.
Powered by Gemini 2.5
At the heart of AI Mode is a custom-tuned version of Gemini 2.5, Google’s flagship AI model.
This version is optimized for complex reasoning, multimodal input, and what Google describes as “query fan-out”—a process in which the AI breaks down a user’s prompt into multiple sub-queries to return a more comprehensive answer set, backed by sources.
Early user behavior reveals a trend toward longer and more detailed search queries—typically 2–3 times longer than traditional searches—suggesting a shift toward more thoughtful and nuanced interactions with the platform.
Generative Features and Growing Industry Concerns
Alongside conversational search, users in India also gain access to AI Overviews and AI-powered shopping assistance—features Google has been piloting globally.
However, the rise of these features has sparked concern among publishers and content creators.
Reports, including one by The Wall Street Journal, indicate that AI summaries may be drawing attention away from traditional organic links, potentially reducing traffic to news outlets and websites that rely on Search referrals.
AI Mode as a Localized Experiment
Google describes the India rollout as a localized experiment, allowing the company to gather insights in a complex, multilingual market before scaling the tool further.
While the current version is limited to English, support for regional Indian languages has not yet been announced—a limitation in a country where over 22 languages are officially recognized.
In a company blog post, Google emphasizes its goal to “learn what resonates” with Indian users and fine-tune the experience based on regional needs and usage trends.
