India’s app stores are experiencing intense competition among AI-driven platforms, with Perplexity AI emerging as a clear leader. The app has risen to the top of both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, surpassing strong contenders like Zoho’s Arattai Messenger and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This announcement was made by Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, who expressed his enthusiasm on X (previously Twitter), stating, ‘Perplexity is the number one app in Play Store in India across all categories,’ accompanied by screenshots celebrating the app’s rapid ascent.
This accomplishment is significant as Perplexity has outperformed not only international competitors like ChatGPT and Google Gemini but also the rapidly rising Indian rival, Zoho’s Arattai, which had briefly held the top position earlier this month. Perplexity AI sets itself apart from conventional chatbots and search engines by providing real-time, citation-backed answers that merge the accuracy of web search with the fluidity of generative AI. Unlike most tools that merely list links, Perplexity compiles information into succinct, well-organized responses — a quality that has appealed to Indian users who prioritize both speed and accuracy.
The platform’s user-friendly design and strong performance have made it a preferred choice for obtaining quick, reliable answers on a variety of subjects, including government initiatives, local news, cricket scores, and travel updates. Perplexity’s swift rise in India has also been bolstered by a strategic collaboration with Bharti Airtel, one of the largest telecom operators in the country, boasting over 360 million subscribers. In July 2025, Airtel initiated a nationwide program offering eligible customers a complimentary 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro. This premium version of the app features unlimited queries, advanced AI tools, and document analysis capabilities, significantly enhancing its reach and user engagement.
Airtel characterized the partnership as a pioneering initiative, stating, ‘Airtel is thrilled to announce a first-of-its-kind partnership with Perplexity AI – unlocking the power of GenAI for millions.’ Another crucial element contributing to Perplexity AI’s increasing popularity in India is its localization and multilingual support. The platform effectively addresses the needs of diverse regional audiences, allowing users to inquire in various Indian languages. This inclusivity has enabled it to attract a wider audience beyond the tech-savvy demographic, reaching everyday users seeking reliable answers in their native languages. Recent statistics reveal that Perplexity AI has surpassed 38 million downloads in India, highlighting its market dominance.
Meanwhile, Zoho’s Arattai Messenger, created by Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu, currently holds the second spot after a notable surge in downloads earlier this month. ChatGPT and Google Gemini follow behind, completing the top four. As AI-powered platforms continue to transform the way Indians engage with technology, Perplexity AI’s blend of reliability, intelligence, and accessibility seems to have resonated well, establishing it as India’s preferred app on both Android and iOS.