Google AI Mode Launches in India: A Game-Changer in Intelligent Search

Unveiling AI Mode in India On June 24, 2025 , Google officially introduced its experimental AI Mode in India, accessible via Search Labs ...

Unveiling AI Mode in India

On June 24, 2025, Google officially introduced its experimental AI Mode in India, accessible via Search Labs in English  Built on a custom iteration of Gemini 2.5, this new feature represents Google’s bold push to empower users with more advanced reasoning, multimodal search, and conversational follow-ups 

🇮🇳 Why India is a Strategic Launchpad

• 870 million+ internet users make India a high-impact market 

• A multilingual, voice-first population heavily reliant on Google Lens and voice search 

• Google can refine its AI features globally based on diverse, real-world Indian usage 

Core Features: From Insight to Interaction

1. Complex Query Comprehension

AI Mode processes long-form queries—2‑3× longer than typical searches—and breaks them into sectioned sub-queries, delivering detailed, synthesized answers 
Example:

“My kids are 4 and 7 and have lots of energy... suggest creative indoor activities on a budget.”
AI Mode identifies subtopics like space, cost, and age, then generates a multi-part plan—all in one go 

2. Multimodal Input: Text, Voice, Images

• Voice search integration: tap the mic and speak detailed questions naturally—ideal for on-the-go usage 

• Image understanding via Lens: snap a plant, product, or scenario; AI identifies it and provides visual-based answers with extended links 

3. Follow-Up Intelligence

After delivering an answer, AI Mode offers auto-generated follow-up prompts (e.g., “Can you suggest independent activities?”), enabling richer, conversational exploration 

4. Real-Time With Authority

Powered by Google’s Knowledge Graph, shopping index, web crawl, and ranking algorithm—AI Mode blends instantaneous AI responses with reliable web references . Traditional links appear when confidence dips, ensuring factual integrity .

📊 Architecture Diagram (Mermaid Syntax)

Google vs Perplexity & ChatGPT

• Perplexity AI has earned praise for detailed, source-cited responses, often outperforming Google in depth 

• Google’s AI Mode counters by combining its massive web index, real-time updates, and multimodal strengths within its familiar search interface 

Publisher Concerns

Publishers fear potential traffic loss as AI Mode may reduce clicks on source links  Google counters with inline citations and added links to uphold content transparency .

Monetization in Focus

With AI helping classify search behavior, Google is exploring ad placements within AI responses and experimenting with subscription models to monetize AI Mode without disrupting existing ad infrastructure 

📌 How to Enable AI Mode in India

1. Visit labs.google.com

2. Find the AI Mode toggle

3. Opt in

4. Access AI Mode via new tab in search bar, “Try AI Mode” link, or direct URL (google.com/aimode) 

What’s Next? Roadmap Ahead

• Expansion to Indian languages—currently, it's English-only 

• Feature iteration driven by Indian user feedback.

• Broader international rollout following this first outside-US launch 

• Potential integration of agent-based automation, enhanced shopping, and deeper multimodal workflows .

FAQ

Q1: How is AI Mode different from Google’s earlier AI Overviews?
AI Overviews summarize search results. AI Mode conducts full question breakdowns and conversational Q&A, powered by Gemini 2.5

Q2: Will local Indian languages be supported soon?
Google hasn’t announced dates, but broad language support is likely in future iterations .

Q3: Does AI Mode reduce traffic to original websites?
There’s concern from publishers. Google aims to mitigate this through inline citations and visible web links in responses .

Q4: How can Indian users access AI Mode?
By enabling it in Search Labs (labs.google.com), then using the dedicated AI Mode tab or URL 

Q5: What powers AI Mode’s intelligence?
A custom variant of Gemini 2.5, optimized via query fan-out to deliver deep, multimodal answers 

Final 

Google’s AI Mode debut in India marks a pivotal evolution, blending deep-question intelligence, multimodal input, and Google’s structural edge. It not only enhances user experience but also challenges emerging AI-first competitors. As language support grows and global soft-launches roll out, AI Mode is poised to reshape search—first in India, then worldwide.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Google AI Mode in India

1. What is Google AI Mode?

AI Mode is an experimental feature in Google Search offering conversational, chatbot-style answers powered by Gemini (initially Gemini 2.0, now 2.5). It supports complex queries, follow-up prompts, and multimodal input (text, voice, images) alongside traditional web links 

2. How can Indian users access AI Mode?

AI Mode is available in Search Labs. Users must opt in via labs.google.com, enable it in settings, and (for now) access it by switching to the AI Mode tab in Search or visiting google.com/aimode 

3. Which users are eligible?

Currently, early access in India is rolling out to English-language users under Google Search Labs. In some countries like the US, it's limited to Google One AI Premium subscribers, with India set to benefit from broader access soon 

4. What special input types does AI Mode support?

AI Mode handles:

Voice queries via “Search Live,” enabling seamless, natural dialogue 

Image questions using Google Lens integration—snap a photo, ask questions it can parse .

5. How accurate are the responses?

AI Mode uses Google’s web index, Knowledge Graph, and shopping data to source information. However, as it's experimental, Google cautions that answers may occasionally be incorrect or incomplete 

. They include inline citations and links to ensure transparency 

6. Does AI Mode affect web traffic to publishers?

Yes, some publishers express concern that users may not click through to their sites as AI Mode surfaces answers directly. Google counters with in-response links, crediting sources and aiming to route users back to original content 

7. Is support for Indian languages available?

AI Mode is currently available in English in India. Google plans to roll out support for regional languages soon, continuing the trend from earlier SGE initiatives that added Hindi and other languages 

8. Is AI Mode free to use?

Yes—access through Search Labs is free. However, certain countries (like the US) tie it to Google One AI Premium subscriptions. India's rollout appears more inclusive at present 

9. Can I switch between AI Mode and traditional Search?

Absolutely. AI Mode is a toggleable experience—users can switch back to classic Search easily via tabs or settings 

10. Why choose AI Mode over regular Search?

AI Mode excels at:

Handling multi-part or exploratory queries in a single conversation 

Supporting follow-up prompts and chat-like dialogue 

Offering multimodal interaction—ideal for on-the-go or visual search