How Geopolitical Tensions Are Testing India’s Live Music Business

In 2024, India’s live music scene hit an unprecedented high. International superstars like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Dua Lipa lit up stadiums from Mumbai to Bengaluru, drawing massive, euphoric crowds.

Over 27,000 live events were hosted that year—a 35% jump from the previous year—marking India’s transformation into a major global tour destination.

But while music filled the air and crowds cheered in sold-out arenas, a more complicated reality was unfolding in the background. Political tensions, logistical hurdles, and rising security concerns have started to strain the systems that keep the live music industry running—putting pressure on an otherwise booming scene and raising questions about how long the momentum can last. Let’s see what industry experts had to say about navigating this uncertain terrain.

“Indeed, the live event industry has faced challenges during these turbulent times,” says Shaju Ignatius, Chief Evangelist - Live Events and Content at Laqshya Media Group. “There’s been a noticeable impact on planning cycles, budgets, and the participation of both national and international artists.”

Still, optimism lingers in the industry’s tone. “That said, national interest comes first, and we fully support any necessary precautions taken in such uncertain times,” Ignatius adds. “We remain optimistic that the situation will stabilise, leading to a strong resurgence of both national and international events shortly. The spirit of the industry is resilient, and we’re confident in its ability to adapt and bounce back with greater innovation and purpose.”

A Fragile Framework Under Pressure

Much of this fragility stems from recent geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which have not only affected diplomatic corridors but also disrupted event pipelines, especially in Northern India. Amid heightened security alerts and precautionary advisories, artists and organisers alike are having to revisit safety protocols, event timelines, and overall feasibility.

“Geopolitical instability has a direct ripple effect on the live music business,” says Karan Singh, CEO of the Sunburn Festival, one of Asia’s biggest electronic dance music gatherings. “From rising production costs to artist visa delays and insurance premiums skyrocketing, every disruption dents the bottom line.”

Sunburn, known for pulling global EDM heavyweights into India’s music circuit, has itself faced abrupt hiccups. “We’ve seen instances where uncertainty in the region has led to last-minute cancellations, causing losses running into crores—not just for us as organisers, but also for local vendors, artists, and even the tourism economy at large,” Singh explains.

Safety Over Spectacle

The most immediate impact has been seen in border-adjacent states and regions marked as sensitive zones. While outright cancellations haven’t yet blanketed the industry, heightened caution is dictating decisions.

“The most recent hostilities between India and Pakistan in 2025 have introduced further security concerns into the entertainment and public events sector,” notes Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-Founder & CEO of Hoopr, a music licensing and distribution platform.

“Concerts near the northern border provinces have either been rescheduled or scaled down under stricter security protocols. We’ve even seen some artists cancel shows out of solidarity with the nation,” Dagaonkar says.

The evolving situation has made risk mitigation and insurance planning non-negotiable components of every event blueprint. Promoters are reportedly extending lead times for event planning, increasing contingency budgets, and recalibrating travel logistics—especially for international acts.

“There’s a sharp decline in new cross-border collaborations and global tour announcements,” Dagaonkar adds. “Horizons for event planning are now longer than ever, and there’s a marked shift in promoter behaviour toward safer, more controlled environments.”

According to production associates, security budgets for upcoming shows have risen by 15–20%, particularly for events scheduled between April and May 2025. While complete industry data is still being compiled, anecdotal reports suggest a dip in ticket bookings and on-ground brand activations—especially in North India, where the tension is most palpable.

Brands Shift Online, and Music Tones Change

Interestingly, the unease is triggering behavioral changes beyond just logistics. Brands that typically sponsor large-scale live events are showing signs of pivoting toward safer, more measurable digital campaigns.

“At Hoopr, we’ve seen brands now investing more in online activities rather than offline experiential campaigns,” says Dagaonkar. “Simultaneously, there’s been a sharp rise in demand for regional and patriotic music. These themes are trending in search results, likely echoing the mood of the nation.”

This trend not only reflects a heightened sense of national pride, but also highlights the music industry’s ability to evolve with sentiment—commercially and creatively.

For now, the beat goes on—but behind the dazzling stage lights and roaring crowds, industry veterans are recalibrating with vigilance, adaptability, and hope.

As Shaju Ignatius sums it up,“The show must go on, yes—but not without responsibility. This industry has endured and evolved through every curveball thrown its way. I have no doubt it will come out stronger again.”