Google introduces AI Mode in India to change the search experience
Search engines are now becoming Answer engines, turning SEO and discovery on their heads.
Key takeaways
- The company said that this tool is still in the experimental stage and users will need to opt in to it through Search Labs.
- With more than 870 million internet users, India is one of the biggest markets for Google.
- The company said in April that more than 1.5 billion people are using AI overviews across the globe.
Cite or link to this article
Griffin, M. (2025) 'Google introduces AI Mode in India to change the search experience', 311 Institute, 5 July. Available at: https://www.311institute.com/google-introduces-ai-mode-in-india-to-change-the-search-experience/ (Accessed: 1 October 2026).
Google Search, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) overviews, is now more of an Answer Engine than a search engine which is just one reason why websites have seen a precipitous 34% drop in traffic as the world of discovery and search is tipped on its head.
However, when it comes to competing with new upstarts who want to take its search crown Google isn’t stopping there and have just introduced its “AI Mode,” a Q&A-style search tool, to users in India today. The company said that this tool is still in the experimental stage and users will need to opt in to it through Search Labs.
Once a user has opted in, they can ask queries in English. Google didn’t specify whether it plans to support local languages or when that might be available.
Users can search for answers to complex, multi-part queries such as “My kids are 4 and 7 and have lots of energy. Suggest creative ways to get them active and moving indoors, especially on hot days, without needing a lot of space or expensive toys.” Additionally, users can ask follow-up questions to refine results.
Google started testing AI mode with premium subscribers in the US earlier this year. The company then started broadly rolling out the feature to all US users after its Google IO event. Over time, the company has added a shopping feature, introduced voice and image search support, and introduced ads.
The company said that voice and image search features are supported for users in India, given that voice is a popular mode for search. It added that the AI mode is powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5. The company also noted that early testers of the AI mode are asking 2x to 3x longer queries.
With more than 870 million internet users, India is one of the biggest markets for Google. It also acts as a testing ground for the company to observe how multilingual users use its products.
While Google still has a lion’s share in the search market, people have started using chat-based AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity more in their daily lives. With AI mode, Google wants users who prefer that kind of interface to use its own product.
Apart from AI mode, Google has been pushing products such as AI overviews, which summarize query results for you, in search. The company said in April that more than 1.5 billion people are using AI overviews across the globe. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Google’s AI features are hurting publishers, which have seen traffic drop-offs from organic search.
What this means for your organisation
Clicks are drying up.
Websites have seen a 34% drop in traffic as answer engines grow. Publishers report falls in organic search visits. Leaders should measure how much revenue still depends on search clicks.
Queries are getting longer.
Early testers ask queries two to three times longer than before. Content must answer detailed, multi-part questions directly. Rework content so answer engines can find and cite it.
India is a testing ground.
With more than 870 million internet users, India shows how voice and multilingual search will evolve. Voice is already a popular way to search there. Firms in emerging markets should prepare for voice first discovery.
Three questions for your next leadership meeting
- How much of our traffic and revenue depends on traditional search clicks?
- Is our content built to be cited by AI answer engines?
- How ready are we for voice search in emerging markets?
The trends and technologies behind this story
From the 311 Starburst, the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit’s map of the technologies and trends shaping the next 50 years.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit, from Matthew Griffin’s article and 311 data. First published on Fanatical Futurist.
FAQ
Why does this matter?
Search engines are now becoming Answer engines, turning SEO and discovery on their heads.
About the author
Matthew Griffin Founder, President and Futurist, 311 Institute
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath."
Read full bio
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath." 17-time best selling author of the "Codex of the Future" series, Matthew is the Founder, President and Futurist of the 311 Institute, a global Futures and Deep Futures advisory firm working with royal households, world leaders, G7, G20, and G77 governments, NGOs, and multi-national mid and mega cap firms to help them explore, shape, and lead the next 50 years of business and society.
An award-winning YouTube creator with over a million followers, with an unrivalled global reach and impact, Matthew is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, lecturer, and mentor who collaborates with global leaders through the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to shape pivotal initiatives such as the UN’s AI for Humanity programme, the United Nations Conference of the Parties (UN COP), and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As the former Global Head of Cloud, National Security, and Enterprise Sales for companies including Atos, Dell-EMC, and IBM, Matthew has a proven track record of building multi-billion dollar business units and turning failing divisions into market leaders. His ability to identify, analyse, and communicate the implications of hundreds of emerging technologies and trends is unparalleled, and his insights are trusted by many of the world’s most respected organisations, including ABB, Accenture, Adidas, AON, ARM, BCG, Centrica, Citi, Coca-Cola, Dentons, Deloitte, Dow Jones, EY, Google, KPMG, Lego, Legal & General, LinkedIn, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Qualcomm, RWE, Samsung, Siemens AG and Siemens Energy, T-Mobile, UBS, VISA, Walmart, Workday, Worldpay and many others.
Regularly featured in the global media including the AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery, Forbes, Khaleej Times, Telegraph, TIME, ViacomCBS, WIRED, and the WSJ, Matthews mission is to help organisations create a fair and sustainable future whose benefits are shared by everyone irrespective of their ability, background, or circumstances.
What future do you need to see?
Choose one to get started on AI and intelligence and the future of your organisation.
Sources and further reading
- through Search Labs labs.google.com
- the Wall Street Journal wsj.com
Source: first published by the 311 Institute on 5 July 2025. Cite as: Griffin, M. (2025). Google introduces AI Mode in India to change the search experience. 311 Institute. https://www.311institute.com/google-introduces-ai-mode-in-india-to-change-the-search-experience/
You are welcome to quote this article with credit and a link to the original.