HMD has officially expanded its footprint in India with the launch of the Vibe 2 5G, a mid-range Android smartphone that features deep integration with local artificial intelligence. The device comes preloaded with Indus, an advanced AI chatbot developed by the Indian startup Sarvam. This strategic partnership aims to make sophisticated, localized AI more accessible to consumers through affordable hardware.

The Indus chatbot is built upon a massive 105-billion-parameter model, specifically trained to handle the complexities of Indian languages. It supports 22 different Indic languages and is capable of ‘code-switching,’ which allows users to fluidly mix languages—such as Hindi and English—within a single conversation. While the current iteration requires an active internet connection and does not yet feature dedicated hardware shortcuts, its linguistic versatility offers a unique advantage in a highly diverse market.

Retailing at ₹10,999, the Vibe 2 5G is equipped with a large 6,000mAh battery, positioning it as a competitive option in the budget-friendly segment. HMD intends to roll out the Indus integration across its broader Vibe smartphone lineup and is also preparing to launch a feature phone equipped with Sarvam’s AI technology. This focus on feature phones is a key component of HMD’s strategy to penetrate the massive segment of the Indian population that relies on simpler, more affordable mobile devices.

This collaboration marks a significant step in the deployment of regional AI tools. By bundling specialized software with accessible hardware, HMD and Sarvam are targeting a demographic that may find English-centric AI models less effective. As Sarvam continues to establish itself as a major player in the AI startup ecosystem, this hardware-software synergy provides a direct pathway for localized AI adoption across the subcontinent.