Warner Chappell Music, the publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has announced the launch of direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift from its earlier sub-publishing model to a full-fledged local presence. The move signals a deeper commitment to the Indian music ecosystem as global players continue to expand their footprint in one of the fastest-growing music markets.

According to the Economic Times, the transition to a direct publishing structure is designed to give Indian songwriters stronger access to Warner Chappell’s global creative network, along with its rights management systems and technology infrastructure. By moving closer to creators on the ground, the company aims to streamline processes around publishing, licensing, and royalty collection while enabling greater collaboration opportunities across international markets.

As part of this development, Jay Mehta will lead a unified strategy for Warner Music Group in India, aligning both recorded music and publishing operations under a more integrated framework. The approach is expected to create synergies between the label and publishing sides of the business, strengthening artist and songwriter development in the region.

The shift also reflects a broader trend in the global music industry, where publishing is becoming an increasingly critical lever for growth. With India witnessing a surge in independent music, regional content, and digital consumption, having a direct presence allows companies like Warner Chappell to tap into emerging talent more effectively while ensuring global monetisation opportunities.

For Indian creators, the move could open doors to better rights protection, international collaborations, and access to advanced tools that support songwriting and distribution at scale. For Warner Music Group, it marks another step in consolidating its position in India by building a more connected and creator-focused ecosystem.