On July 8, 2025, Google officially launched AI Mode in India, making it the second country—after the United States—to receive full public access to this transformative search experience. The latest rollout reflects Google’s commitment to bringing next-generation search capabilities to one of its most engaged and tech-forward user bases.
AI Mode is now available to all users in India without requiring sign-in, and can be accessed via a dedicated tab on desktop or through the Google app on mobile devices. It supports inputs through text, voice, and image (via Google Lens), offering a seamless, multimodal search experience.
What is Google AI Mode?
AI Mode is powered by Google’s advanced Gemini 2.5 model and introduces a new layer of interaction in Search. Users can now pose complex, multi-part questions and receive conversational, summarized answers enhanced with source links, visuals, and follow-up suggestions. It enables more natural, exploratory querying that goes far beyond
traditional keyword searches.
Notable Features for Indian Users
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Accessible Without Sign-In: Unlike Google Search Labs, AI Mode is now available to everyone without needing to log into a Google account.
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Visual Query Labeling: Searches conducted through AI Mode are clearly labeled in the user’s search history drop-down, making it easier to track which queries used the AI-powered interface.
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Multimodal Input: Users can input queries through typing, speaking, or uploading an image—supporting diverse use cases from product discovery to visual learning.
Why the India Rollout Matters
India has emerged as a global leader in early adoption of AI features within search—particularly AI Overviews and Google Lens. With a growing population of mobile-first users, the country represents an ideal testbed for the next wave of search innovation. Google's data shows Indian users are especially receptive to long-form, natural language queries—precisely the kind AI Mode is designed to handle.
In a recent tweet, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, announced the official rollout of AI Mode in India
The tweet reflects the growing importance of India as a hub for AI innovation and a key market for testing next-generation search experiences powered by Gemini 2.5.
Impact on Search Behavior and SEO
The launch of AI Mode is reshaping how content is discovered, consumed, and ranked. Key implications include:
1. Transition to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
SEO professionals must now consider not only traditional SERP rankings, but also how their content is parsed and summarized by AI. Structured content using schema markup (e.g., FAQs, how-to guides) is more likely to be featured in AI-generated responses.
2. Decline in Traditional Click-Through Rates (CTR)
As AI Mode delivers summarized answers directly in the interface, users may click fewer links. Brands must focus on appearing within the AI-generated output—which increases the importance of authority, clarity, and structured content.
3. Growth of Voice and Visual Search Optimization
With AI Mode supporting voice and image queries, visual SEO and conversational search optimization will become crucial. Content should be voice-friendly, use descriptive metadata, and be tailored for multimodal interaction.
What’s Changing in India After the Launch
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Marketers and publishers are realigning SEO strategies to include AI-first optimization.
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Search behavior is evolving: Indian users are engaging in more detailed, intent-rich queries using natural language.
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AI adoption is accelerating across sectors—from government AI initiatives to regional chatbots and language models built specifically for Indian users.
The ecosystem is also adapting: content creators are experimenting with new formats, while performance marketers are closely monitoring how AI Mode affects impressions, engagement, and conversions.
Recommendations for Digital Teams
To remain visible and competitive in this AI-first environment, businesses should:
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Incorporate structured data (schema markup) across key landing pages.
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Create concise, informative, and authoritative content that AI can summarize effectively.
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Optimize images and voice-based content for visual and auditory search experiences.
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Track search visibility metrics carefully, especially shifts in CTR and impression share related to AI Mode usage.
Conclusion
Google’s AI Mode launch in India marks a pivotal moment for the future of search. By removing the need for sign-in, integrating AI directly into the main search interface, and enabling multimodal queries, it redefines how users find and interact with information online.
For digital marketers, content strategists, and SEO professionals, the shift is clear: optimize for AI, not just algorithms. Those who adapt early will find themselves at the forefront of a new, conversational, and highly intelligent search experience.