Indian languages are Google’s big focus, says Rajan Anandan

Internet in India has changed drastically over the last two years. The data wars that have ensued have made prices of mobile broadband plummet, allowing easier and affordable access for many. India’s internet population is around 450 million users, and over 390 million of these are active users. But, according to search giant Google, what’s driving online consumption is the growth of regional languages on the Internet and increasing video consumption.

“India today has about 400 million users, and 250 million access internet in their own language. So Indian language internet users are pretty large already. In fact, there are more non-English users on the Indian internet today, than there are English users,” says Rajan Anandan, vice president, South East Asia & India, Google.

The prediction is that this 250 million number will get to 500 million by 2021. As Google sees it, growth is coming from tier two, three, four cities and rural areas; metros are the not only driving force anymore. Says Anandan, “Many more women are coming online in rural areas. We think by 2024, 45% of the internet user base in India will be women. It’s not just about millennials anymore.”