Direct Purchasing Trial Begins in India

Google has commenced testing a new capability that enables shoppers in India to purchase products from Walmart-owned Flipkart directly through <a href="https://techcrunch.com/tag/gemini/">Gemini</a> and AI Mode. This move indicates that the search giant is working to expand its artificial intelligence services from standard product discovery into direct transaction handling, according to details shared with <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/26/google-tests-buying-from-walmart-owned-flipkart-through-gemini-and-ai-mode-in-india/">TechCrunch</a>.

During the early trial, participating users see a distinct "Buy" button on select product listings from <a href="https://techcrunch.com/tag/flipkart/">Flipkart</a> within Gemini and Google’s AI Mode. Tapping this button directs users straight to a Flipkart checkout flow while keeping them inside the AI interface. At present, the test is restricted to a small selection of items, including mobile accessories, electronics, and smartphones, and is only visible to a limited audience.

Rollout Plans and Competitive Context

While many users continue to view standard product listings from Flipkart without any direct purchasing options inside the AI interface, Google plans to expand the experience more broadly later in October. This upcoming wider release is scheduled ahead of India’s festive shopping season, which stands as one of the busiest periods for online retailers in the region.

India represents the world’s second-largest internet market, boasting over a billion internet subscribers where e-commerce rivals Flipkart and Amazon compete fiercely. This competitive rivalry intensifies significantly during the festive season when e-commerce firms roll out their largest annual sales and promotions. Currently, listings from competitors such as Amazon appear alongside Flipkart results in Google's AI services, but those competitor listings do not offer direct in-interface purchasing options.

Industry Push Toward Agentic Commerce

The current test arrives as Google and industry rivals are actively <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/14/youll-soon-be-able-to-shop-walmart-from-chatgpt/">adding commerce capabilities</a> to their respective artificial intelligence offerings. Companies are striving to progress beyond simply answering shopping queries and giving product recommendations to taking a direct role in processing online transactions.

Earlier this year, Google <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2016/01/11/google-announces-a-new-protocol-to-facilitate-commerce-using-ai-agents/">introduced</a> technological frameworks designed to facilitate commerce using AI agents, aiming to let AI systems interact seamlessly with retailers across the entire shopping journey. Earlier this month, Google also noted that Flipkart was <a href="https://business.google.com/en-all/think/future-of-marketing/google-marketing-live-india-ai-search/">among the merchants</a> partnering with the platform to bring agentic shopping experiences to consumers in India, though specific rollout timelines were not disclosed at that time.

Financial Ties and Corporate Responses

Google shares a strong financial and technological partnership with the e-commerce giant. Notably, Google <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/24/google-invests-350-million-in-indias-flipkart/">invested about $350 million</a> in India’s Flipkart during a 2024 funding round led by the U.S. retailer Walmart, securing a minority stake in the process.

When questioned regarding the ongoing Flipkart test, a Google spokesperson emphasized that the company is continually testing new features and experiences designed to help people discover and connect with businesses more easily. The spokesperson added that routine experiments are a normal part of operations and that no further specific details are available for sharing at this time. Meanwhile, Flipkart did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sources

• TechCrunchGoogle tests buying from Walmart-owned Flipkart through Gemini and AI Mode in India