Kantar has released the 2026 edition of its ‘India in Search’ report, analysing Google search data from January to December 2025 to map emerging consumer and cultural trends.
The report has shown that AI-related searches have surged 154% year-on-year to reach 235 million average monthly searches in 2025, indicating its shift into everyday use.
Beauty searches have reached 131 million (+3% YoY), while food-related queries have stood at 94 million (+7% YoY).
Health and wellness searches have risen to 52 million (+10% YoY). Quick delivery queries have grown 61% to 29 million, while digital safety searches have increased 9% to 17 million. Financial control-related searches have reached 27 million (+3%), and climate adaptation queries have grown 22% to 14 million.
Search trends have indicated a shift in religious engagement, with technology-led formats gaining traction. Searches for Mahabharat AI have increased 400%, while Gita GPT queries have risen 83%. Interest in inclusive rituals has also grown, with searches for ‘female pandit for wedding’ increasing 100% and ‘Navratri gifts’ rising 267%.
Digital safety and supervision have shaped childhood experiences, with searches for safe search filters rising 241%, Android parental control increasing 124% and Family Link queries growing 22%.
Search behaviour has also reflected changing attitudes toward ageing, with strength training for elderly queries rising 324% and perimenopause searches increasing 22%. Interest in senior-friendly technology has surged, with ‘iPhone for seniors’ queries growing 1043%.
Consumer behaviour has also moved towards slower and more intentional activities. Searches for Lego have increased 22%, while homemade dog treats have recorded a sharp spike of 122,000%.
At the same time, offline experiences have gained traction. Searches for escape rooms have grown 49%, live music 124% and coffee rave parties 540%, indicating a shift towards physical and social engagement.
Search trends have also reflected evolving work preferences. Queries for ‘job hugging’ have surged 2300%, while ‘micro retirement’ searches have increased 800% and occupational burnout queries have risen 86%. Interest in AI/ML courses has also grown 49%.
The report has also shown rising exploration of identity and mental health, with searches for neurodivergent increasing 50% and BPD disorder rising 421%, alongside increased interest in ideological frameworks such as Karl Marx (+123%) and secular meaning (+22%).
The findings have indicated that consumers in India have been making more deliberate and personalised choices across categories, with search behaviour reflecting shifts in how people work, consume, express identity and engage with culture.
