PM Modi endorses India’s rise in the concert economy

The success of Coldplay’s record-breaking two-night performance in Ahmedabad recently, where more than 223,000 fans attended, further solidified India’s emerging status as a concert destination

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the rising potential of India’s concert economy, pointing to the tremendous success of Coldplay’s concerts in Ahmedabad and Mumbai as evidence of the country’s growing attraction for global artists. Speaking at the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ in Bhubaneswar, Modi noted that India is becoming a major player in the international live event industry, with top global performers increasingly turning to the country to connect with massive audiences.

Modi emphasized the need for both state and private sectors to invest in infrastructure and resources that can support the growing concert economy. “The Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad and Mumbai is a clear demonstration of India's potential to host large-scale live music events. India’s rich heritage of music, dance, and storytelling, combined with a young, concert-hungry population, makes it an ideal destination for live performances,” Modi said. He urged stakeholders to work together in creating the necessary environment to capitalize on this emerging opportunity, which could be a cornerstone of India’s event industry growth.

India's potential as a global concert hub

The PM also pointed out that India will host its first-ever World Audio-Visual Summit next month, a pivotal event designed to position India’s creative industries on the global stage. "This summit will showcase India's cultural impact and foster a new global identity for our arts and culture,” Modi explained. He believes such events can significantly contribute to India’s economic growth while amplifying its reputation as a global event hub.

The success of Coldplay’s record-breaking two-night performance in Ahmedabad earlier this year, where more than 223,000 fans attended, further solidified India’s emerging status as a concert destination. With these massive events, Modi sees a clear path forward to capitalize on the growing trend of live performances. The concert economy has already shown its ability to stimulate tourism and create job opportunities in multiple sectors, including hospitality, transport, and event management, contributing to India's event industry growth.

Concert economy and its impact

As the India concert economy gains momentum, it is expected to generate substantial revenue for the country. According to recent estimates, India’s live music sector could be valued at ₹6,000-8,000 crore. This growing industry has the potential to drive local economies, particularly through the influx of tourists and the spending on accommodations, food, and transport associated with large-scale events.

Globally, the concert economy is projected to reach $31 billion by 2026, fuelled by an increasing appetite for live music experiences and festivals. India, with its vast cultural appeal and young population, is positioned to take a significant share of this burgeoning market. The government’s push to enhance infrastructure and skills, along with the growing number of high-profile concerts, will further contribute to India as a global event hub, realizing Modi's vision for India as a center for major international events.

While Coldplay's concerts in India showcased the country's readiness for such events, challenges around infrastructure remain, with some artists, like Diljit Dosanjh, raising concerns about the country's preparedness to host large-scale performances. Nevertheless, India's event industry growth is undeniable, and with focused efforts from both the public and private sectors, it can become a powerful engine of economic growth in the coming years.