Warner Chappell Music, the publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has launched direct operations in India, marking a significant shift from its previous sub-publishing model to a full-scale, on-ground presence in the country. The announcement was made on April 22, 2026, in Mumbai, signaling Warner Music Group’s commitment to one of the world’s fastest-growing creative economies. This move establishes Warner Chappell Music India as a standalone entity focused on supporting local songwriters and composers through direct access to global resources.
The initiative is being led by Jay Mehta, who has served as Managing Director of Warner Music India since its launch in 2020. In his expanded role, Mehta now oversees both recorded music and publishing operations across India and neighboring South Asian markets. He will report jointly to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, and Lo Ting-Fai (Lofai), President of Warner Music APAC. This unified leadership structure aims to create a seamless ecosystem for creators, integrating master recordings and composition rights under a single strategic vision.
As part of the launch, songwriters signed to Warner Chappell Music India will gain exclusive access to recording studios located within Warner Music Group’s Mumbai headquarters. This facility represents what the company describes as the only major music company in India offering a localized, high-tech creative hub. Indian creators will also receive access to Warner Chappell’s proprietary technology suite, including Global Match—an AI-driven royalty matching tool—a client portal for real-time earnings and catalogue tracking, and Pulse, a songwriter-focused application developed in direct collaboration with music creators.
The decision to establish direct operations comes amid strong growth in India’s music sector. According to data from CISAC, domestic creator collections in India rose to ₹7 billion (approximately $75 million) in 2024, reflecting a 42% year-on-year increase. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) ranks India as the world’s 15th largest recorded music market. These figures underscore the expanding economic opportunity within the country’s music industry, particularly as consumption patterns continue to evolve.
Industry analysts note a significant shift in musical preferences across India. While Bollywood soundtracks once dominated digital consumption, accounting for roughly 80% of streams, they now represent less than half of total digital music consumption. This change reflects the rising influence of independent and non-film music, which is gaining traction among listeners nationwide. Domestic repertoire now constitutes 89% of all music streamed in India, highlighting the strength of locally produced content even as the market transitions from advertising-supported models to paid subscription services.
In a statement accompanying the launch, Jay Mehta emphasized the creative potential within India’s music community. “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries,” Mehta said. “By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity. We’re now positioned to offer Indian creators the sophisticated resources and international reach that only a world-leading publisher can provide, ensuring their music resonates on a global stage.”
Guy Moot echoed this sentiment, highlighting the global impact of Indian talent. “India has some of the most talented songwriters in the world, and they are increasingly making their mark globally,” Moot stated. “What excites us most about this move is not just the expansion of our presence, but the opportunity to help shape an evolving publishing ecosystem that truly works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere. With Jay Mehta at the helm and our global team behind him, our songwriters couldn’t be in better hands.”
Robert Kyncl, Chief Executive Officer of Warner Music Group, framed the initiative as part of a broader strategic vision. “India is a key part of our global growth strategy, and the talent emerging there is truly world-class,” Kyncl said. “By bringing our publishing and recorded music operations under Jay Mehta’s proven leadership, we’re creating a unified powerhouse that can better serve creators and fans alike. This is the right moment to double down on our investment in India’s vibrant creative economy.”
The launch represents more than a structural change for Warner Chappell; it signifies a long-term commitment to nurturing local talent while connecting it to international audiences. By providing Indian songwriters with direct access to global publishing infrastructure, royalty management systems, and creative facilities, Warner Chappell aims to reduce barriers that have historically limited the international reach of domestic music.
Industry observers note that the timing of this expansion aligns with broader trends in music consumption. As streaming continues to grow and audiences increasingly seek diverse, authentic content, India’s rich musical landscape—spanning classical traditions, regional folk, contemporary indie, and experimental genres—offers significant potential for global engagement. The company’s focus on technology-enabled rights management also addresses longstanding challenges in tracking and distributing royalties accurately in complex, multi-territorial markets.
For songwriters and composers in India, the establishment of Warner Chappell Music India opens fresh pathways to collaborate with international artists, access global publishing networks, and benefit from standardized royalty collection practices. The integration of publishing and recorded music operations under unified leadership may also streamline creative workflows, allowing artists to manage both composition and master recording rights more efficiently within a single framework.
As the Indian music market continues to mature, industry stakeholders will watch closely how this direct presence influences local talent development, international collaborations, and the overall balance between domestic and foreign repertoire in streaming platforms. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other global music publishers seeking to deepen their engagement with emerging markets.
Warner Chappell Music has not announced any immediate follow-up events related to the India launch, but stakeholders anticipate further details on artist signings, technology rollouts, and local partnerships in the coming months. For updates on Warner Chappell’s activities in India and global music publishing developments, readers can consult official announcements from Warner Music Group and industry reports from CISAC and IFPI.
This development underscores the growing importance of India in the global music economy and reflects a broader trend of international entertainment companies establishing direct operations to engage more effectively with local creative communities.