Google to offer Gemini AI for free to over 500 million Jio users as global firms double down on India

Core Insights - Google is launching its Gemini AI service for free to over 500 million Reliance Jio users in India, aiming to capture a significant customer base in the growing AI market [1][3] - The partnership with Reliance Intelligence will provide Google's AI Pro plan, which includes Gemini 2.5 Pro, expanded access to NotebookLM, and 2 TB of cloud storage [2] - Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, emphasizes the goal of making India "AI-empowered" through collaborations with strategic partners like Google [3][4] Market Context - India has a substantial Gen Z population of approximately 377 million, contributing to $860 billion in consumer spending, projected to reach $2 trillion by 2035 [4] - The Indian telecom market is dominated by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, with both companies actively partnering with AI firms to enhance digital service offerings [5][6] - OpenAI is also expanding in India, offering its ChatGPT Go plan for free for a year, indicating a competitive landscape for AI services in the region [7]