India has become the largest market globally for large language model (LLM) adoption, driven by a sharp rise in the use of platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity, according to a recent report by Bofa Securities.
The scale of engagement reflects how quickly AI tools have entered everyday digital life in the country. With a vast internet population and growing comfort with AI-powered services, India now accounts for the highest number of active LLM users worldwide.
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ChatGPT leads in India
ChatGPT leads adoption in India, with an estimated 145 million monthly active users. Gemini follows with around 105 million users, while Perplexity has also seen strong traction. On a daily basis, tens of millions of users in India are interacting with these tools for tasks ranging from information search and content creation to learning and productivity support.
India’s contribution to global usage is significant. The country accounts for more than 16 per cent of ChatGPT’s total user base worldwide. For other major platforms, India represents an even larger share, contributing roughly 30 per cent of Gemini’s monthly users and close to 38 per cent of Perplexity’s active audience.
What fuelled the growth of LLM?
India has over 700 million mobile internet users and some of the lowest data costs in the world, allowing widespread and sustained use of data-intensive AI services. A young, digitally fluent population, combined with strong English proficiency, has further accelerated adoption. Telecom operators have also helped expand reach by bundling AI tools with mobile plans or offering promotional access to premium features, lowering the barrier for first-time users and encouraging regular usage.
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For consumers, LLMs are increasingly being used as everyday digital assistants—helping with education, language translation, research, and work-related tasks. Many platforms now support multiple Indian languages, broadening access beyond English-speaking users.
Industry’s POV
India’s massive and diverse user base provides AI companies with valuable real-world data, helping refine models across languages, accents and use cases. At the same time, the report cautions that the dominance of well-funded global AI platforms could pose challenges for domestic AI startups, which may struggle to scale before international players consolidate their positions. As AI tools continue to move from novelty to necessity, India’s role as the world’s largest LLM market is likely to shape how these technologies evolve—and how quickly they become embedded in daily digital experiences.
