India’s Sarvam AI launches AI chat app ‘Indus’:Is this the Indian alternative of ChatGPT we’re all waiting for? Know its key features

At the India AI Impact Summit this week, one name kept coming up in conversations across panels and corridors: Indus. Bengaluru-based startup ‘Sarvam AI’ not only unveiled its large language models at the event, but also quietly introduced its consumer chat app, turning it into one of the most discussed launches of the India AI Impact Summit. What exactly is Indus?
Indus is Sarvam’s AI assistant designed especially for Indian users. The company says it has been built from the ground up in India and focuses heavily on Indian languages and local context. The app works like other AI chat tools; you can ask questions, get explanations, write content, or seek help with research. But Sarvam claims Indus understands how Indians naturally speak, including switching between languages mid-conversation. For example, you can start typing in English and shift to Hindi without restarting the chat. The assistant continues smoothly. Which AI model powers it? Just days before launching the app, Sarvam unveiled two foundational AI models, Sarvam 30B and Sarvam 105B, at the summit. These are large language models developed in India, a significant step for a country aiming to build domestic AI capability. While the company has not officially confirmed which model powers Indus, it is widely believed that the app runs on one of these newly launched systems, particularly the 105-billion-parameter model. This makes Indus more than just another chatbot; it is also a showcase of India’s growing ability to build advanced AI infrastructure at scale. Key features of Indus Here’s what the app currently offers: 1. Multilingual conversations Indus supports multiple Indian languages. Users can switch between languages like English and Hindi during a single conversation. 2. Voice input You can speak your question instead of typing. The AI responds in text and may also provide audio replies. 3. Document writing and editing The app allows users to draft and edit documents directly within the chat. 4. File upload support Users can upload PDFs, images, and other documents. The AI reads the file and answers questions based on its content. 5. Future AI agents Sarvam has indicated that AI agents, tools that automate tasks, may be added in future updates. Also read: Indian-origin Asha Sharma becomes CEO of Microsoft Gaming

How is Indus different from ChatGPT or Gemini? The biggest difference lies in localisation. While global companies are adapting their products for Indian users, Sarvam says Indus was built with Indian languages and context at its core from the beginning. Rather than relying heavily on translation layers, the company aims to build models that understand Indian languages more natively. In a country where users frequently mix languages and dialects, this could be a significant differentiator.
Availability and access Indus is currently available in beta: However, access is limited for now. New users must sign up using their phone number, Google account, Microsoft account, or Apple ID. Many users are placed on a waitlist unless they have an invite code. The company says it is collecting feedback before scaling further. Also read: What will happen to your Instagram account after your death?

Current limitations Since the app is in beta, it comes with some restrictions: Why this launch matters India has become a major market for AI tools. OpenAI recently revealed that India has over 100 million weekly ChatGPT users, while Anthropic says India accounts for a significant share of Claude usage. Sarvam’s move signals that Indian startups want more control over domestic AI infrastructure instead of relying entirely on global platforms. Founded in 2023, Sarvam has raised $41 million from investors including Lightspeed, Peak XV, and Khosla Ventures. With Indus, it is now testing whether a homegrown AI assistant can compete with global leaders in one of the world’s fastest-growing AI markets. Sarvam AI Sarvam AI is currently trending on Google Trends as interest spikes around its new Indus AI chat app launch. The buzz comes after the company showcased its India-built large language models at the India AI Impact Summit, and users began searching for how the app works, its features, and how it compares with ChatGPT and Gemini.
The trend reflects growing curiosity about homegrown AI tools and whether Indus can compete with global players in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Source: Google Trends