Google Tests Flipkart Shopping on Gemini and AI Mode With Direct Buy Option for Indian Users

Google has started testing a new shopping feature in India that lets some users buy Flipkart products directly through Gemini and Google AI Mode. The move could make Google's AI services more useful for online shopping by taking users from product search to checkout.

During the test, selected Flipkart product listings show a “Buy” button inside Gemini and AI Mode. When users tap the button, they are taken to a Flipkart-branded checkout page without first leaving the AI shopping experience. The test is currently available to a limited number of users and covers a small selection of products, including smartphones, electronics and mobile accessories. Other users can still see Flipkart products in Google's AI services but do not have the direct purchase option.

Google is reportedly planning to expand the feature more widely in October, ahead of India's busy festive shopping season. The company has not shared an official rollout date.

The Flipkart test is part of Google's broader push to bring AI-powered shopping and checkout to its services. Earlier this year, the company introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard designed to help AI agents interact with retailers throughout the shopping process, including checkout. Google has also said that eligible products could eventually be purchased through Gemini and AI Mode using AI-powered shopping experiences.

The Flipkart test appears slightly different, however. Tapping the Buy button opens a Flipkart checkout flow rather than the Google-hosted checkout experience previously demonstrated by the company. It is not yet clear what technology powers the current test. Flipkart was previously identified by Google as one of the merchants working with the company on agentic shopping experiences in India.

Google is not alone in adding shopping features to AI services. Companies including OpenAI are also working to let users discover products and complete purchases through AI platforms. 

The feature could become particularly important during India's festive shopping season, when online retailers compete heavily for customers with major sales and promotions.

Information referenced in this article if from Tech Crunch