At the recent Google I/O Connect India 2025 event in Bengaluru, Google made big announcements. The company showed its strong interest in making India a leader in artificial intelligence (AI). Google shared plans to localise its powerful Gemini AI models, support Indian startups, and improve tools for developers, students, and businesses across the country.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. In 2024, Indian developers on Google Play earned over ₹4 lakh crore in revenue and created more than 3.5 million jobs. Google now wants to support this growth further by bringing powerful AI tools like Gemini to Indian users in a way that is fast, local, and relevant.
Gemini 2.5 Flash: Now Smarter and Faster for India
Google introduced Gemini 2.5 Flash, a lighter and faster version of its AI model, to work better in India. The company moved data processing to local cloud zones, which means the AI responds faster and keeps data within India. This step supports industries like healthcare and finance that need to store data locally and keep it safe.
Google also connected Gemini with data from Google Maps. This allows apps to use real-time location and environment information. For example, delivery apps, weather apps, and travel apps can now give more accurate and faster results using Gemini’s new map-powered features.
To support local developers, Google reduced the prices for Maps tools and user interface components. These tools help Indian startups and developers build better apps that use maps, directions, and place information. Lower costs mean more developers can afford to use these features.
Tools for Developers: Easy and Smart AI App Building
Google added many new tools to help Indian developers build AI apps faster and smarter. In Firebase Studio, developers can now use AI agents and pre-built templates. These features reduce the time and effort needed to build full-stack applications.
The company also highlighted the success of Indian developers on Google platforms. In 2024, app developers in India built thousands of successful products that earned huge revenue. Google wants to support this trend by offering training programs and new tools.
Google also partnered with Unity and the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) to support gaming. They launched a 30-hour training course to help 500 Indian developers learn how to build games. This move supports the growing game development scene in India.
At the same event, Google hosted the “Gen AI Exchange Hackathon,” where top Indian startups showed their Gemini-powered products. Companies like InVideo, Glance, and Nykaa presented AI tools for video editing, content recommendations, and personalized shopping. These real-world examples show how Indian companies already use Gemini to improve user experience.
Supporting Startups: Building AI in India for India
Google also partnered with local startups under the India AI Mission. One key partner is Sarvam AI. Sarvam built Sarvam-Translate, an open-source AI tool that supports long-form translation in 22 Indian languages. The tool handles over 100,000 translation requests per week and powers over 10 million conversation turns.
Other startups like Soket AI and Gnani also joined the initiative. They are working on new models based on Google’s open-source AI model, Gemma. These models help Indian companies build AI apps that work better with Indian data and languages.
Google also teamed up with IIT Bombay and BharatGen to improve speech recognition and text-to-speech technology in Indian languages. This will help more people interact with AI in their own language and voice.
In total, Google selected eight Indian startups that use tools like Gemini, Gemma, and Imagen to solve local problems. These startups work in fields like education, governance, healthcare, and digital media.
Empowering Students: AI Tools for the Next Generation
Google wants to help Indian students learn and use AI early. A recent study from Google and Kantar showed that 75% of Indian users want AI help daily. Among students, 95% said Gemini makes them feel more confident.
To support this, Google offered a free one-year subscription to the Google AI Pro plan for students above 18 years of age. This plan includes access to Gemini 2.5 Pro and 2TB of cloud storage. Students can sign up until September 15, 2025.
Google also added AI tools to Gmail, Docs, and Sheets, making it easier for students to write, research, and organize their work. Tools like NotebookLM and Veo 3 help with note-making and video generation. These tools turn learning into an interactive and smart experience.
July 2025: A Big Month for Gemini AI
July 2025 became an important month for Google’s AI plans. Google launched Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Flash worldwide. These new models offer better reasoning, faster responses, and stronger math skills.
Google also announced its plan to combine ChromeOS and Android. This move allows Gemini to run smoothly across laptops, phones, and tablets. With this step, Google aims to build a connected ecosystem where users can access AI everywhere.
Gemini now works inside many Google apps, including Search, Chrome, Gmail, and Docs. Users can choose to turn this feature on or off. This shows how deeply Google wants AI to become part of everyday digital life.
Why India Matters in Google’s AI Future
Google’s deep focus on India brings benefits to both sides. Indian users and developers get access to world-class AI tools. At the same time, Google strengthens its place in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets.
Here’s how India benefits:
- Onshore data processing increases speed and protects privacy.
- Developer tools and UI kits lower the cost of building smart apps.
- AI training programs prepare students and developers for future jobs.
- Local startups build apps that solve India-specific problems.
- Speech and language tools support digital access for millions.
Looking ahead, Google may strengthen its partnerships with Indian government programs, launch more AI tools in local languages, and help startups grow internationally. We can also expect future updates to Gemini and Gemma models that focus on the Indian context.
Expert Views and Final Thoughts
Google executives say India plays a key role in the future of AI. Leaders from Google DeepMind and Google India called Indian developers “the builders of the next digital chapter.” They praised the creativity and ambition of Indian startups using Gemini and other AI tools.
Google’s recent announcements mark a big step in India’s AI journey. The company is not just offering products—it is building a full AI ecosystem. This includes better infrastructure, smart tools, training, and direct support for innovation.
India now has the tools to lead the next wave of AI growth. With help from global tech leaders like Google, Indian developers, students, and startups can shape AI to meet the country’s needs and dreams.
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