Google launches experimental AI mode for search users in India

Google has introduced 'AI Mode' in India as part of its Labs experiments, offering users an enhanced, AI-powered search experience designed to handle complex, multi-layered queries. The rollout follows trials in the United States and builds on the company’s broader strategy to integrate generative AI into everyday search functionality.

AI Mode uses Google’s Gemini 2.5 model to respond to longer and more detailed queries that previously required multiple searches. The feature aims to assist with complex tasks such as product comparisons, trip planning, and detailed how-to explanations. According to Google, early users have already begun issuing search prompts that are two to three times longer than typical queries.

The AI Mode functions through a technique called 'query fan-out,' which breaks down user questions into subtopics and issues multiple parallel searches to gather broader and more relevant information. The resulting responses include summarised answers alongside links to external sources.

AI Mode is also multimodal, allowing users to interact with Search using voice, images, or text. This includes capabilities integrated from Google Lens, which is already widely used in India. For example, users can take a photo of a plant and ask how to care for it, prompting AI Mode to identify the plant and offer maintenance tips.

Voice input is supported via the microphone icon, enabling long-form questions without typing, particularly useful in mobile or hands-free situations. Users can also upload images to receive visually contextualised answers.

The move is part of Google's broader effort to make Search more intuitive amid growing demand for answers to complex and nuanced questions. AI Mode builds on the company’s AI Overviews feature, which is now used by more than 1.5 billion users monthly and has reportedly driven a 10% increase in usage in markets like the U.S. and India.

Google has emphasised that AI Mode maintains integration with its core quality and ranking systems and includes mechanisms to improve factual reliability. In cases where AI confidence is low, standard search results will be shown instead of an AI-generated summary.

The tool is currently available in English and limited to users who opt in through Google’s Labs platform. Feedback from Indian users will be used to iterate and improve the offering before a broader rollout.