World Music Day 2026: India’s Seat At The Global Music Rights Table And The Road Ahead For Creators

Every year, World Music Day reminds us that music is more than entertainment,it is a universal language that transcends borders, languages, and cultures, carrying the stories, emotions, and identities that connect us all. It is a moment to reflect on the melodies that inspire us, the songs that become part of our memories, and the artists whose music accompany us through life’s moments.

Every song that endures across generations and travels across cultures begins with a creator’s imagination,the composer who gives it its sound and the lyricist who gives it its soul, turning emotions into melodies and words into memories.

As music becomes increasingly global and technology continues to transform how it is created, distributed and consumed, the conversation must go beyond celebrating music alone. It must also focus on recognising, protecting and rewarding the creators who make it possible.

A Global Conversation on the Future of Creativity

This year’s World Music Day arrives at a defining moment for the global creative community. Earlier this month, creators, collective management organisations, policymakers and industry leaders from across the world gathered in Paris for the centenary General Assembly of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC).

Founded in Paris in 1926, CISAC today represents millions of creators through its global network of member societies, making it one of the most influential voices in the international copyright ecosystem.

Representing India at this historic gathering were Padma Bhushan Javed Akhtar, Chairperson of IPRS, Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, and Songwriter and IPRS Board Member Mayur Puri, alongside creators and rights leaders from across the globe.

The discussions in Paris reflected a larger transformation underway in the creative industries, one where questions around ownership, attribution, transparency and fair remuneration are becoming central to the future of music. For India, the gathering represented more than global participation. It reflected the country’s growing role in conversations around creator rights, copyright and the future of the creative economy.

India’s Evolving Role in the Global Music Ecosystem

For decades, India has been recognised as one of the world’s most vibrant music markets. Globally, the value of creativity continues to grow. According to CISAC’s Global Collections Report 2025, royalties collected for creators reached a record €13.97 billion in 2024, with digital revenues crossing €5 billion for the first time and global collections growing by more than 70% over the past decade.

These figures highlight the growing importance of copyright and effective rights management in ensuring creators participate in the value generated by their work. India’s growing music ecosystem is redefining its place on the global stage.

Beyond being one of the world’s largest music markets by consumption, India is emerging as an increasingly influential voice in shaping the future of the music industry - championing creator rights, fair remuneration, and a more sustainable and equitable music economy.

AI and the Need to Protect Human Creativity

One of the defining outcomes of the CISAC centenary gathering was the adoption of the Paris Commitment, a collective call to safeguard human creativity in an era of rapid technological change. Adopted during the centenary General Assembly of CISAC and signed by global creative leaders including Padma Bhushan Javed Akhtar, Chairperson of IPRS, and Björn Ulvaeus, President of CISAC and co-founder of ABBA, the Paris Commitment sets out a series of principles urging governments, technology companies and cultural industries to ensure human creators remain protected, recognised and fairly remunerated in the AI era.  

Creators from across the globe united to issue a landmark declaration calling for the protection of human creativity as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the cultural and creative landscape.

The declaration was the outcome of a day-long global dialogue on the future of creativity in the age of AI, where creators, economists, academics, technology experts, and policymakers came together to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping artistic creation, creators’ livelihoods, and the future of cultural diversity.

The debate around AI is not about limiting innovation. But about ensuring that technological progress strengthens, rather than diminishes, the value of human creativity. Every technological shift in music,from recordings and radio to streaming and now artificial intelligence,has reshaped how music is created, distributed, and experienced. Yet one truth remains constant: behind every song is human creativity, the spark that gives music its emotion, meaning, and identity.

Building a Sustainable Future for Creators

India stands at a defining moment in its musical journey. Home to one of the world’s largest and youngest creator communities, the country is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the global resonance of its creative voices. Across languages, regions, and genres, Indian music is finding new audiences beyond borders, opening up exciting opportunities for creators and strengthening India’s place in the global music landscape.

However, a thriving music ecosystem requires more than audience growth. It requires strong systems that enable creators to understand, protect and benefit from their intellectual property.

Strengthening copyright awareness, improving compliance and rights management, ensuring accurate metadata, and enabling efficient royalty distribution will be critical to building a sustainable future. Collective management organisations will continue to play an important role by representing the creators globally and ensuring their rights are protected and monetised across markets.

As we mark World Music Day 2026, India’s rising influence in global music rights conversations signals a broader transformation. The future of music will not be defined by technology alone, but by the choices we make today to ensure that creativity remains human, culture remains diverse, and creators are respected, protected, and fairly rewarded.