Google has rolled out AI Mode to all users in India, removing the need for Labs sign-up, thereby granting Indian users direct access to the new AI-powered search features.
The rollout reflects Google’s recognition of India as a key market for AI search technologies, highlighting the importance of India in its global expansion strategy. According to Google’s official announcement, users can now access AI-powered responses through a dedicated tab in Google Search and the Google app.
Why It Matters Now
India’s digital landscape offers unique opportunities for AI search adoption. The country hosts over 850 million internet users who frequently use voice queries and image-based searches. These behaviors align perfectly with AI Mode’s multimodal capabilities, which support text, voice, and Lens-enabled image search.
According to a senior tech analyst based in Bengaluru, ‘India is where digital behaviours are being redefined. It’s mobile-first, app-native, and curiosity-driven. This insight explains why Google moved quickly to expand beyond its initial U.S. launch.
The company first introduced AI Mode in India through Search Labs in June, as reported in Google’s announcement. User feedback during the experimental phase was encouraging. People appreciated the speed and quality of responses, using the feature for diverse purposes from learning complex topics to understanding detailed how-to guides.
Strategic Advantage
Google’s timeline reveals its confidence in the Indian market. According to TechCrunch, the company started testing AI mode with premium subscribers in the U.S. earlier this year before expanding broadly after Google I/O. Within weeks of the Labs’ release in India, Google removed access barriers entirely.
The rapid deployment suggests India serves as more than just a large user base. Industry experts note that Indian users’ search patterns – including regional language queries, voice interactions, and visual searches – provide valuable insights for global AI development.
Businesses should note AI Mode’s comprehensive response format. Users receive detailed answers with helpful links and can ask follow-up questions naturally. This conversational approach matches how Indian consumers typically seek information, particularly in areas like health advice and DIY projects.
Market Impact in India
The feature runs on a version of Google’s Gemini 1.5 model, as publicly disclosed. While Google markets Gemini separately, AI Mode shares infrastructure that could influence future applications in education and digital commerce.
Early testing data shows users asking queries that are 2x to 3x longer than traditional searches, as reported by TechCrunch. This behavior suggests deeper engagement and more specific information needs – valuable trends for businesses planning content strategies.
Google’s decision timing is notable. The company prioritized India immediately after its U.S. rollout, bypassing other significant markets. This choice reflects India’s role as a testing ground for multilingual, mobile-first user behaviors.
What Business Leaders Should Know
The AI Mode launch affects how Indian businesses should approach search optimization. Traditional keyword strategies may need adjustment as users adopt more conversational, detailed queries.
Companies should prepare for longer, more specific search queries from customers. The shift toward AI-generated overviews means businesses need content that answers complex, multi-part questions comprehensively.
Google has already integrated shopping features and ads into AI Mode in other markets. Indian businesses should monitor these developments as they may expand locally.
The rollout also signals increased competition in AI-powered search. People have increasingly used chat-based AI tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. Google’s response through AI Mode aims to retain users who prefer conversational interfaces.
For decision-makers, this development represents both opportunity and challenge. Companies that adapt their digital strategies to conversational search may gain competitive advantages. However, businesses relying heavily on traditional search traffic should prepare for potential changes in user behavior patterns.
