Indian composer and producer Anurag Saikia has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, marking one of the early major publishing signings to emerge from the company’s recently launched direct operations in India.
The agreement will see Warner Chappell represent Saikia’s catalogue and future works across key international markets, opening up opportunities spanning sync, film, television and global songwriting collaborations.
The deal also reflects the growing focus global music publishers are placing on India’s songwriter and composer ecosystem, particularly as international companies expand their on-ground presence in the market beyond recorded music.
Warner Chappell recently established direct operations in India, allowing the publisher to work more closely with Indian songwriters, composers and producers through local A&R, rights management and international creative networks.
Saikia’s signing follows his participation in Warner Chappell Music’s annual songwriting camp in Las Vegas last year, where he collaborated with international writers and producers as part of the company’s global creative programme.
Known for his work across film scores, independent music and regional repertoire, Saikia has built a reputation for blending Indian classical and folk influences with contemporary production. His credits span multiple Indian film industries alongside a growing independent catalogue that has found audiences outside India.
“This partnership is a significant moment not just for me, but for Indian music as a whole,” said Anurag Saikia. “To have my work represented on a global stage by Warner Chappell Music is incredibly exciting. I hope this opens doors for more Indian artists to be heard worldwide.”
Sidhartha Todi, founder of STARtist Management and Saikia’s manager, said the partnership was part of a larger effort to create sustained international opportunities for Indian artists and songwriters.
“This is not just a milestone for Anurag Saikia, but a meaningful step toward building a bridge between India and the global music ecosystem,” Todi said. “Our vision has always been to enable genuine, long-term international collaborations for Indian artists rooted in authenticity rather than trend.”
David Goldsen added that Warner Chappell sees Saikia as a writer and composer with strong global crossover potential.
The deal also underlines the increasing importance of publishing within India’s music business as global companies look to invest earlier in songwriting talent, regional repertoire and cross-market collaborations.
Jaddan Comerford of UNI7IED said the signing reflects broader momentum around culturally rooted Indian artists entering global music conversations through publishing, sync and international collaboration pipelines.
