Google has officially rolled out its AI Mode feature to all users in India, expanding access to a next-generation search experience directly within Google Search and the Google app. Initially introduced as part of a limited experiment through Search Labs in June 2025, the feature is now available broadly—no sign-up required.
And what makes this rollout particularly notable is how it reimagines search itself. With AI Mode, Google is nudging us past the old habit of typing keyword strings and instead offering a conversational, intelligent way to ask questions—especially those that are a little more nuanced or layered.
Key Takeaways:
- AI Mode is now live for all Indian users on Google Search and the Google app.
- It’s powered by a customized version of Google’s Gemini 2.5 large language model.
- The interface supports queries via text, voice, or images (through Google Lens).
- Answers are rich, conversational, and often include helpful source links.
- Users can follow up naturally, diving deeper into topics as they go.
Google says the goal is simple: to make information easier to find and, perhaps more importantly, easier to understand. According to the company, the earlier Labs trial in India received strong feedback—many users appreciated the faster response times and the improved depth of answers. Now, with the broader rollout, even more people can explore the full potential of this AI-enhanced experience.
How AI Mode Works
At its core, AI Mode runs on a custom-tuned version of Gemini 2.5, one of Google’s most advanced language models. This allows it to tackle questions that normally might require multiple searches to fully answer. Say, for instance, you ask: “My kids are 7 and 9, full of energy—what can I do to keep them active indoors on a hot day with little space and no special toys?” That’s not a one-liner. But AI Mode parses the whole thing, takes in all the details, and responds thoughtfully.
Behind the scenes, the system uses something called “query fan-out.” It breaks the question into parts and simultaneously processes multiple related sub-queries to piece together a comprehensive answer. Drawing on real-time sources—everything from Google’s Knowledge Graph to product data to live web content—it often includes links so users can explore the topic in more depth.
A major piece of the puzzle is the feature’s multimodal search capability. Users in India can type, speak, or snap a photo with Google Lens to begin a query. This really plays to local strengths: Google says Lens usage in India is higher than in any other country, suggesting a strong appetite for visual-first search. So if someone takes a photo of a mystery plant and asks, “What is this and how do I take care of it?” AI Mode not only identifies it but offers tailored care instructions—and yes, it remembers your question if you follow up with, “Where should I keep it in my apartment?”
Designed for Indian Users
India is the first international market to receive AI Mode, a decision that reflects just how central the country is to Google’s global AI plans. The company says this launch was shaped around how Indian users are increasingly searching—not just for quick facts, but for deeper insights, comparisons, and task-based help.
While classic search still works well for simple lookups, AI Mode steps in where the questions start getting bigger. Whether it’s planning a trip, comparing features across products, or digging into a step-by-step guide, the new mode is designed for those more exploratory moments.
The rollout is happening gradually over the coming days. Users will see a new tab within Google Search and the Google app, available in English for now. Google also noted that its AI Overviews feature, which summarizes search results using generative AI, is now reaching over 1.5 billion users every month. In places like India and the U.S., it’s even driving more than a 10% lift in engagement for certain types of queries. AI Mode is essentially a deeper, more interactive evolution of that same vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Google AI Mode?
A1: It’s an advanced search experience using artificial intelligence to deliver rich, conversational answers—going far beyond the usual keyword-based results.
Q2: How do I access AI Mode in India?
A2: AI Mode is rolling out now. You’ll find it as a new tab inside Google Search and the Google app. No Labs signup needed.
Q3: Can I use AI Mode in Indian languages?
A3: For the time being, AI Mode is only available in English. Google hasn’t shared a specific timeline for regional language support just yet.
Q4: What kinds of questions can I ask?
A4: It shines with complex, layered queries—think detailed guides, travel planning, product comparisons, and anything that needs a bit of back-and-forth reasoning.
Q5: Will I get links or sources with the answers?
A5: Yes. AI Mode doesn’t just respond—it connects you to high-quality web sources so you can double-check, explore more, or dig in deeper.
