Google is playing an integral part in India’s future as the nation embraces fast digital transformation. During the 10th Google for India 2024 event in New Delhi, the tech giant unveiled a number of projects designed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to address India’s particular problems. The event highlighted Google’s increasing commitment to India, from bringing AI-driven solutions in healthcare, payments, and sustainability to extending its Gemini Live AI platform to Hindi and eight regional languages.  

Speak to Gemini in 9 Indian languages with Gemini Live  

Google's conversational AI tool, Gemini Live, is a key component of its AI strategy. The platform, which was first launched in English earlier this year, currently supports Hindi. Eight additional Indian languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, Malayalam, and Punjabi, will be added soon. In a nation where over 70% of internet users prefer to communicate in their native tongues, this is a significant advancement. 

At the event, Google stated that more than 40% of Gemini's Indian language users rely on voice input. In order to include millions of Indians who do not speak English in the digital ecosystem, it is imperative that support for local languages be expanded. In order to make AI more approachable and user-friendly for a wider audience, Google plans to enable interaction in regional languages. 

AI-Powered Health Screening  

Google’s AI developments are also intended to transform Indian healthcare. The company unveiled AI-powered cancer and TB screening, which is currently undergoing trials in Indian hospitals. Over the next ten years, Google plans to provide these AI screenings at no cost, underscoring its dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes and access nationwide.  

New Features for Google Pay  

Google unveiled additional features for Google Pay, which now connects 35 million consumers in India, as part of an effort to broaden its already extensive reach in digital payments. Users can now request payments on behalf of others with the new UPI Circle feature. Families where one member can manage payments for another, like a child without their own account, will find this option especially useful. Google Pay has also raised the loan limits to Rs 5 lakh, and applicants can now request gold loans up to ₹50 lakh.  

Merchant Tools and Business Integration  

Google is also making life easier for Indian retailers by enabling them to easily add their WhatsApp contact details to their Google business pages. Thanks to this function, customers can now text businesses directly on WhatsApp. This is an upgrade over the previous one, which simply allowed users to input their phone numbers for calls. India is the first country to use this function.  

Data Localisation and Cybersecurity  

One of the event’s noteworthy announcements was the rollout of Gemini 1.5 Flash data localization in India. Businesses from various industries will now be able to store their data locally, adhering to India’s expanding privacy and data protection laws. Google also intends to launch its Safety Engineering System in 2025, improving its anti-fraud initiative, DigiKavach, which was unveiled last year.  

Clean Energy Commitments  

Google also announced its 24/7 carbon-free energy targets, reinforcing its environmental commitments. The tech giant has teamed up with the Adani Group to establish a solar farm in Gujarat and has contributed 186 MW of sustainable energy to India’s grid. This collaboration reflects Google’s broader sustainable development objectives, which include tackling India’s pressing air quality issues and ensuring that clean energy is available to everyone.  

Google’s strong dedication to India’s digital future, powered by AI advancements and locally relevant solutions, was showcased at the Google for India 2024 event. With the launch of Gemini Live in Hindi, healthcare AI tools, improved payment services, and new merchant possibilities, Google is strengthening its position as a major force in India’s technological scene.  

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