Meta has launched Business AI for the WhatsApp Business app in India, a new feature designed to empower small businesses with automated, AI-driven customer support. This tool allows eligible merchants to manage customer interactions 24/7 without requiring third-party software or coding skills. The service supports all native languages spoken in India and enables businesses to automate responses to frequently asked questions, capture leads, schedule appointments, and drive sales directly within the chat interface. Initially, the AI will handle inquiries regarding product details, services, pricing, discounts, and shipping information. A key upcoming enhancement will allow Business AI to facilitate payments directly through the chat using UPI, India's standard digital payment system. When a query becomes too complex for the AI or requires personal attention, business owners can seamlessly take over the conversation. The feature is being rolled out to all eligible businesses over the coming weeks. According to a 2025 Kantar study, 91% of online adults in India interact with businesses via chat weekly, making messaging a critical channel for commerce. Meta aims to help small enterprises compete by ensuring they remain responsive at any hour. Ravi Garg, Director of Business Messaging at Meta India, emphasized that small businesses often struggle to manage high volumes of queries with limited resources. He stated that this AI integration aims to be a game-changer, ensuring no customer query is missed outside of standard business hours or during peak demand periods. Early adopters are already reporting significant success. Tuba Siddiqui, co-founder of Soil Concept, a plant-based personal care brand, noted that the company was losing potential customers due to a lack of late-night support. After implementing Business AI, the brand saw its conversion rate soar to 80-90% while managing over 15,000 customers without complex setup. Similarly, Gunveen Kaur, founder of The Purple Sunset, a customized gifting business, reported a 40% sales increase. The AI helped the business close six to seven orders daily by responding to 60-70 daily inquiries autonomously, learning the company's tone and product details within hours of setup. To access Business AI, small and medium-sized businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria. Eligible users can set up the feature by navigating to the Tools tab in the WhatsApp Business app and selecting Your Business AI. Once enabled, the system uses the business's existing profile and catalog to answer questions, recommend products, and assist in closing sales. Business owners retain full control and can adjust settings or disable the feature at any time. For detailed setup instructions, Meta directs users to the official Help Center and business resources page.