New Delhi: OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity have intensified competition in India by offering free access to their premium artificial intelligence tools.
The move highlights India’s growing importance as a major market for AI adoption, driven by a large digital population and affordable internet access. With around 730 million smartphones in use, the country offers unmatched scale for consumer technology companies.
Low Data Costs Increase AI Usage
India’s low mobile data costs have made large-scale AI usage more viable than in many global markets. This affordability has encouraged AI firms to push adoption by lowering entry barriers for price-sensitive consumers.
Google Expands Gemini AI Access
Google began its push in November by offering its $400 Gemini AI Pro subscription free for 18 months to 500 million Reliance Jio customers. The company has since expanded the availability of its discounted ‘AI Plus’ package to India, adding the country to a select list of markets where the offer is live.
OpenAI Rolls Out Free ChatGPT Go
OpenAI followed suit by making its ChatGPT Go plan free for one year in India. The plan provides extended usage compared to standard tiers and was earlier priced at $54 in the country. The free offer, launched nationwide, is available exclusively in India despite the plan being paid in over 100 other countries.
Perplexity Targets Telecom Users
Perplexity has also entered the competition by offering its Pro plan free for one year to Airtel customers. Globally priced at $200 annually, the plan gives users unlimited access to advanced research tools, strengthening India’s position as a focal point in the global AI race.
