Sarvam AI has launched its AI chat app called Indus on Android and iOS, along with a web version. The app is now available for Android and iOS with limited availability through a waitlist system. This launch puts Sarvam in direct competition with global AI giants.
What is the Indus AI App?
Indus is an AI assistant designed mainly for Indian users. Sarvam says it is built entirely in India. The app focuses strongly on Indian language support. Users can chat with the AI in multiple Indian languages and even switch languages during the same conversation. For example, you can start chatting in English and then continue in Hindi without restarting the session.
Indus works like other AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Gemini. You can ask questions, generate text, get explanations, and perform research tasks.
Key Features of Indus AI
One major feature is voice interaction. Users can give voice commands and receive answers in return. This makes the app easier to use for people who prefer speaking over typing.
The app also supports document uploads. You can upload images, PDFs, and other files. The AI can read the content and answer questions based on the uploaded document. This can help students, professionals, and researchers.
Indus may also include AI agents. These agents can automate certain tasks. For example, they may help with research, structured workflows, or content creation.
Users can also write and edit documents inside the app. This makes it useful for drafting emails, reports, or other written content.
Which AI Model Powers Indus?
Sarvam has not clearly stated which model powers the Indus app. However, the company recently launched two large language models called Sarvam-30B and Sarvam-105B. These are foundational AI models developed in India. It is possible that Indus runs on one of these models. If so, it makes Indus one of the few AI chat apps powered by an Indian built large language model.
How to Download and Access Indus AI
You can download the Indus app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The web version is also available.
At the moment, new users must verify their phone number and join a waitlist. If you have an invite code, you can skip the waitlist and access the app directly.
Why Choose Indus AI Instead of ChatGPT or Gemini?
Many users may wonder why they should try Indus when popular options like ChatGPT and Gemini are already available.
Global AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini also support Indian languages. For example, Google’s Gemini app supports typing or speaking in at least nine Indian languages, such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, and Urdu. ChatGPT also lets users interact in many regional languages, and you can change the language settings in the app to match your device preferences.
So at a basic level, Indus is competing with systems that already understand and respond in Indian languages. The real difference with Indus is its focus on deeper Indian language understanding and code mixing. Indian languages are complex, and many global models were not originally built with this complexity in mind. Independent evaluations and industry commentary suggest that global models like ChatGPT and Gemini can still struggle with mixed inputs (such as Hinglish or regional dialects).
This is where Indus can shine. Sarvam has highlighted several areas where its models show strength in India-specific tasks. For example, the company’s speech and text-to-speech models support over 35 voices across 11 Indian languages and aim to expand to all 22 official Indian languages. These models are trained with Indian accents and intonations, which can make conversations sound more natural for local users. Its model also performed well in benchmarks.
To summarise, Indus might appeal most to users who:
- Speak Indian languages and want better regional support.
- Want an AI tool that understands Indian culture and context.
- Prefer a homegrown AI solution from India.
- Are curious to try an emerging AI platform.
For users who already rely on ChatGPT or Gemini for advanced tasks, coding help, or professional use, Indus may not yet replace those platforms.
