In a major push to enhance how users discover information, Google has officially rolled out its new ‘AI Mode’ search experience in India, bringing generative AI directly into the country’s most-used search engine. The move follows successful pilot programs in the U.S. and other regions, and is now tailored specifically for Indian users, including support for English and Hindi.
What is ‘AI Mode’?
‘AI Mode’ represents a significant evolution of the traditional Google Search. Instead of just showing a list of links, this mode provides AI-generated overviews, summaries, and contextual answers right at the top of the search results page. Users can now ask complex, multi-part questions and receive conversational, human-like responses—with links to trusted sources for further reading.
For example, instead of searching “best phones under ₹30,000” and clicking through several websites, AI Mode delivers a curated list with specs, comparisons, and pros and cons—all instantly.
India-Specific Features
Recognizing India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, Google has optimized AI Mode for bilingual use—allowing users to switch between English and Hindi seamlessly within the same query or result. Voice input has also been enhanced, enabling smoother interaction through spoken queries, especially for first-time or non-tech-savvy users.
Additionally, this version of AI Mode is tuned for local contexts—from food and fashion to education and travel. For instance, a query about traditional Indian recipes or local festivals brings up AI summaries with region-specific insights and recommendations.
Focus on Responsible AI
Google emphasized that its AI Overviews are built with safety and accuracy in mind. The system cites credible sources and continues to refine answers based on user feedback. It’s also designed to avoid hallucinations (false information) and offers quick access to web links so users can fact-check or dive deeper.
The company has been gradually introducing the AI Mode through Search Labs, which allows early access to experimental features. Users in India can now opt into this experience and explore the future of search firsthand.
The Bigger Picture
As India’s digital population continues to grow—with over 750 million internet users—Google’s AI-first approach marks a pivotal moment. It not only redefines search but also sets the stage for more intuitive, efficient, and accessible information discovery.
This move also positions Google to better compete with emerging AI-native search engines like Perplexity and You.com, which are gaining attention for their conversational, answer-first models.
