Artificial intelligence assistants are increasingly integral to how Indians seek information online, demonstrating adoption rates significantly higher than most other major global markets, according to a recent YouGov report.
India Leads Global AI Search Adoption
The 'India Web Search and AI Report 2026,' based on surveys of over 950 online searchers between April and May 2026, reveals that traditional search engines remain the most widely used channel, accessed by 65% of online searchers in the past 30 days. However, AI assistants and chatbots are a close second at 57%, surpassing social media, video platforms, and map applications.
India, alongside Indonesia and the UAE, leads a survey of 19 markets, with 89% of online searchers now categorized as 'AI searchers'—defined as those who initiate new queries using an AI assistant. This figure stands in stark contrast to the US, where only 48% fall into this category.
A Daily Digital Habit
The report highlights that two-thirds (66%) of Indians search for information online at least once daily, with a substantial 43% doing so six or more times per day. Smartphones are the dominant device for these searches, cited by 76% of users.
AI as a Companion, Not a Replacement
YouGov's findings suggest that AI assistants primarily serve as companions within the broader search journey rather than direct replacements for search engines. Only 27% of AI searchers identify an AI assistant as their initial starting point. More commonly, 36% utilize AI after attempting other forms of search, and 26% frequently switch between AI and other sources.
The primary uses for AI assistants include directly answering questions (49%), verifying information obtained elsewhere (44%), and summarizing or comparing information (43% for both).
Growing Reliance and Trust in AI
Growth in AI assistant usage is evident, with three-quarters of AI searchers having used these tools for more than a year, and 39% reporting significantly longer usage. A substantial 66% of online searchers anticipate increasing their use of AI assistants over the next 12 months, with only 11% expecting to use them less or not at all.
Trust in AI assistants is also strong, ranking third among tested sources. 69% of online searchers trust information from an AI assistant, trailing only maps/navigation apps and traditional search engines (both at 75%). Factors that would further boost trust include answers derived from official sources (18%) and the presentation of multiple sources side-by-side (15%).
The Future: Speed Meets Proof
Edward Hutasoit, General Manager for YouGov India & Indonesia, noted that AI assistants are transforming search by offering direct answers rather than merely pointing to potential sources. He emphasized that the central challenge isn't a lack of trust in AI among Indians, but rather how to cultivate durable trust for AI to play a more central role.
Consumers continue to rely on multiple sources and credibility signals. The future of search in India, Hutasoit suggests, will likely involve a race to deliver both rapid, useful responses and visible proof to back them up.