Google is going all-in on its ‘AI dominance’ bet. To strengthen its market positioning in this space, it has announced the launch of AI mode in India on 24th June, 2025.
We will explore this news item in greater detail.
What is AI Mode in Search?
Google’s next-gen AI-powered search experience is termed AI Mode in Search. It is designed to handle complex multi-part search queries with advanced reasoning. Unlike traditional search, it follows a distinct process:
– It uses the ‘query fan out’ technique to break a question into different subtopics.
– This helps the bots to search across different data sources.
– It collates all the info and brings the results together.
– As a result, the searcher gets a detailed response that is easy to comprehend.
The Google AI Mode in search integrates with Gemini 2.5 to support multi-modal data citations. Also, it recognizes text, voice, and image input. The result is that the search becomes more intuitive for tasks like
– Comparing two products,
– Itinerary or trip planning, or
– Carrying out in-depth research.
Where was the AI Mode first launched?
AI Mode was first introduced in the US within the Search Labs module back in March 2025. In the May 2025 Google I/O conference, the company announced that US residents can access the AI mode without needing to access Labs.
Now, in Jun 2025, we see the launch of AI Mode for search in India.
On the eve of its India rollout, Google’s VP of Search, Nick Fox, has said on X, “This is our first international expansion of AI Mode, and we’ll be adding more features over time.”
Why Should You Care about AI Mode in Search?
You may think that rolling out AI Mode in Search might not be an influencing factor. But ask any digital marketer or SEO webmaster, and you will hear a singular voice – this mode has completely redefined how the company will scrape information and how it is shown to searchers.
As marketers or brand owners, these are some areas of impact of the rollout of AI Mode in search in India:
– Reduced Organic Traffic
AI mode provides direct answers to users. They need not click through to websites. This is likely to lower referral traffic for publishers and content creators.
– Shift in Keyword Strategy
AI Mode in search has the capability to handle complex long-form queries. In fact, many experts say that it can handle up to 5x the regular key phrases searchers normally feed into the search box.
– Higher focus on Authority and E-E-A-T
It is time to spruce up the author bios and credentials, as they will influence responses that end up in AI Mode. Since AI pulls from trusted sources, these steps indicate a strong E-E-A-T signal.
What can we do as marketers for AI Mode in Search?
Many feel that this move signals the end of traditional SEO as we know it. What worked just 2-3 years back might have been rendered obsolete by this move.
So how do you optimize content and SEO to align with AI Overviews? How to ensure that you get cited in the responses presented by AI Mode in Search? Here are some steps to take:
– Focus on structured content
-
- Make sure your site has structured markup integrated into the website. This gives more information to the bots when they crawl your website.
-
- Use clear headings and concise paragraphs.
– Optimize the site for access wins
-
- Mobile-optimized sites are considered a good signal for AI Mode.
-
- Make sure to implement HTTPS to signal trust.
-
- Fast-loading sites are given preference.
– Quality content is non-negotiable
-
- Well-researched, in-depth content is better than shallow, AI-generated content.
-
- Use active voice more and avoid jargon.
-
- Add FAQs.
-
- Add summary tables to sum up information in a given section.
-
- Integrate multi-modal elements like infographics and images to provide a richer experience.
– Prepare a long-term strategy
-
- Conduct regular content audits. It needs to be recent and optimized for existing AI trends.
-
- Know the changes and updates in the AI SEO field. Learn more about the landscape by following updates from industry experts.
-
- Test different formats of content and plans. You need to do A/B testing for various content formats (consider content repurposing here).
What will the future be like with AI Mode in search?
This new feature in Google search will alter the very DNA of traditional search. Its launch in the US in March 2025 and expansion in India today means that it is witnessing rapid adoption.
On the event of the India rollout, the company said, “It’s already resonating with users who appreciate its speed, quality, and fresh responses. Following this positive feedback, we’re excited to bring AI Mode to India, starting today, as an experiment in Labs in English.”
To conclude
We can finish off the discussion on one key thought. Google is fast pushing forward with AI-driven enhancement. Only time will tell if AI Mode in search will solidify Google’s search supremacy or will external pressure reshape the landscape further.
But I feel that one thing is clear: The future of search is here, and it will stay AI-first for a long time.
