Google Introduces AI Mode in India

Google unveiled its AI Mode in India today as a Q&A-style search tool designed for complex queries. The company emphasized this feature remains in experimental phase requiring opt-in participation from users.

Users can currently ask questions in English only, with no official confirmation on local language support timelines. The system handles multi-part questions like parental inquiries about creative indoor activities for children aged 4 and 7, especially during heatwaves where minimal space and affordable toys are required.

Follow-up questions are supported to refine results progressively. Originally tested with premium subscribers in the US earlier this year, the feature expanded globally after Google I/O conference and later integrated shopping functions, voice/image search support, and advertising models.

Voice search compatibility was prioritized for Indian users given local search habits, while the AI Mode operates on a customized Gemini 2.5 version. Early testers demonstrated query lengths 2-3 times longer than standard searches.

With over 870 million internet users, India represents both Google's largest market and primary multilingual experimentation hub. Despite search dominance, chat-based AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping user behavior patterns.

The AI Mode initiative aims to attract users preferring conversational interfaces while Google also promotes AI Overviews - its query summarization service now used by 1.5 billion people worldwide. Recent Wall Street Journal reports highlight how these AI features impact publishers facing declining organic search traffic.