The global music stage is witnessing a remarkable surge of Indian talent as several artists of Indian origin have secured prestigious nominations for the Grammy Awards 2026. This significant achievement highlights the growing international recognition of India's rich musical heritage and contemporary innovations.
Prominent Indian Nominees and Their Categories
Anoushka Shankar, a seasoned Grammy nominee, has received nominations in two distinct categories this year. Her single Daybreak earned a spot in the Best Global Music Performance category, while her collaborative album Chapter III: We Return To Light featuring Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar secured a nomination for Best Global Music Album. The project has been widely acclaimed for its sophisticated blend of traditional Indian instruments with experimental soundscapes.
Joining Shankar in the global music category is composer Siddhant Bhatia, whose album Sounds of Kumbha features twelve tracks that creatively merge devotional themes with contemporary arrangements. Known for devotional medleys like Jaya Ganapati Om and Devi Om, Bhatia continues to bridge spiritual traditions with modern sound engineering.
Diverse Musical Expressions Recognized
Charu Suri, an Indo-American jazz pianist and composer, adds to India's strong representation with her nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Shayan. Her music uniquely combines Indian ragas with jazz influences, earning praise for its originality and emotional depth. Previous compositions like A Little Joy and Bluesy have also been celebrated for their innovative style.
The legendary fusion group Shakti also appears among the nominees, with their live recording Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) recognized in the global music album category. Their performance Shrini's Dream (Live) joins Shankar's Daybreak in the best performance shortlist, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Indian fusion music.
Broader Grammy 2026 Landscape
The 2026 Grammy nominations were announced during a livestream featuring rising stars including Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Doechii. The announcement celebrated artists, songwriters, and producers across 95 competitive categories spanning various genres from pop and hip-hop to jazz and world music.
While global favorites like Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Sabrina Carpenter dominated mainstream categories, the strong presence of Indian and Indian-origin artists signals a continued rise in international appreciation for South Asian musical talent. This recognition not only honors individual artists but also showcases the global appeal of Indian musical traditions when fused with contemporary expressions.
