The Race to Adapt Chatbots to India’s Diverse Array of Languages: Global Tech Giants and Local Start-Ups Competing for Market Domination
India’s linguistic diversity is a well-known fact, with hundreds of languages spoken across the country. In recent years, the AI industry has been racing to adapt to this diverse array of languages, with chatbots at the forefront of this effort. Global tech giants like Microsoft and Google, as well as local start-ups, are vying to capture lucrative new markets by tailoring their chatbots to cater to India’s specific linguistic and industry needs.
According to the People’s Linguistic Survey of India, approximately 780 languages are spoken in the country, making it a challenge for AI developers to create chatbots that can effectively communicate with users in their preferred language. The 2001 Census of India identified 122 major languages, of which 22 are officially recognized. In order to tap into this vast market, companies are developing AI voice assistants and chatbots that support languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, and Telugu.
Tech giants like Google and Microsoft have launched AI assistants that support multiple Indian languages, such as Gemini and Copilot, respectively. Google’s Gemini AI assistant is available in nine Indian languages, while Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant supports 12 Indian languages. These efforts aim to enhance user engagement and accessibility for millions of non-English speakers in the country.
Local start-ups, such as Sarvam AI and Krutrim, are also making significant strides in developing AI solutions that cater to regional languages and dialects. These companies are focusing on fast-growing Indian industries, such as customer service and call centers, where chatbots can play a crucial role in improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
One of the key challenges in adapting chatbots to India’s diverse linguistic landscape is connectivity. To address this issue, companies are developing “tiny” language models that can run on smartphones rather than the cloud. This not only makes the technology more accessible and affordable but also better suited to countries like India where connectivity can be limited.
By investing in local AI companies and developing solutions tailored to the Indian market, tech giants and start-ups are not only driving economic growth but also fostering digital inclusion and accessibility across various sectors. The race to adapt chatbots to India’s languages is not just a technological challenge but also a vital step towards a more inclusive and connected future.
Ultimately, by prioritizing the needs of diverse linguistic communities, AI developers are paving the way for a digital landscape where technology serves as a bridge, rather than a barrier, to communication and progress. As India continues to embrace AI technology, the possibilities for innovation and growth in the AI industry are limitless.