International Music Day: 5 Indian Artists Who Made Their Mark on the Global Music Scene

Indian music has increasingly moved beyond geographical boundaries, finding audiences, stages and recognition across the world. From Coachella and international collaborations to sold-out world tours and an Oscar-winning song, these five moments reflect the growing global footprint of Indian music.

1. Diljit Dosanjh – Taking Punjabi Music to Coachella
Diljit Dosanjh made history in 2023 when he became the first Punjabi singer to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. Performing tracks including G.O.A.T., Diljit brought Punjabi music and culture to one of the world’s most prominent music festivals. His Coachella appearance marked a significant moment for Indian artists on an international festival stage.

2. Armaan Malik – Sharing the Global Stage with Ed Sheeran
Armaan Malik’s collaboration with Ed Sheeran on the Indian version of 2step placed the Indian singer alongside one of the world’s biggest pop stars. Released as Ed Sheeran – 2step (feat. Armaan Malik), the collaboration became another significant crossover moment for Indian pop music.

3. Anuv Jain – Taking Dastakhat Around the World
Anuv Jain’s Dastakhat World Tour represents a different kind of global breakthrough one built around independent Indian music and live audiences. Beginning with India, the 2026 tour expanded across Australia, Europe, North America and the Middle East, taking Jain’s intimate Hindi songwriting to international venues. The tour has included stops across the US, UK, Europe, Australia and Canada.

4. Karan Aujla – Bringing Punjabi Music to American Late-Night Television
Karan Aujla’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon became another prominent international moment for Punjabi music, placing the singer-songwriter on one of America’s most recognisable late-night platforms. His growing presence in the international music ecosystem reflects the expanding reach of Punjabi artists beyond the South Asian diaspora.

5. Naatu Naatu – From Indian Cinema to the Oscars
Perhaps the most defining global music milestone came with Naatu Naatu from RRR. Composed by M.M. Keeravani and written by Chandrabose, the Telugu song won Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards in 2023, becoming the first song from an Indian film to win the category. Singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava also performed the song at the ceremony.

From Punjabi beats at Coachella to a Telugu song taking home an Oscar, these moments underline how Indian music is increasingly finding its place on the world’s biggest stages.