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

10 h ago

Google has begun testing a direct purchase integration with Walmart-owned Flipkart inside its Gemini and AI Mode services in India, marking a key step in the search giant’s push to move AI from product discovery into transactions. The early test, confirmed by sources and an experience viewed by TechCrunch, shows a “Buy” button on select Flipkart product listings—including smartphones, electronics, and mobile accessories—that takes users directly to a Flipkart-branded checkout flow without leaving the AI interface. The rollout is limited to a small set of users and products; other users still see standard Flipkart listings without the purchase option. Google plans to expand the feature more broadly later in October, ahead of India’s festive shopping season, when e-commerce competition between Flipkart and Amazon intensifies. The test aligns with Google and rivals like OpenAI adding commerce capabilities to AI offerings, aiming to play a direct role in online purchases. Google has been building underlying technology, including the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard for AI agents to handle checkout. However, the Flipkart test appears to use a Flipkart-hosted flow rather than Google’s own checkout. Google invested about $350 million in Flipkart in 2024, taking a minority stake. Notably, the Buy option does not appear for rival Amazon listings surfaced alongside Flipkart products. A Google spokesperson said the company is “always testing new features” and declined further details. Flipkart did not comment. The move targets India’s over one billion internet users, where AI-driven shopping could reshape the competitive landscape.