On February 1, 2026, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards are set to be held in Los Angeles to honor the best musical talent from around the world. The nominations were a testament to India’s rich musical legacy and its rising global influence, with several Indian and Indian-origin artists being nominated. This year, however, there were no Indian nominees in the awards ceremony.
1. Anoushka Shankar
In 2026, renowned sitar player Anoushka Shankar was nominated for two Grammy awards. She also garnered nominations for her collaborative EP Chapter III: We Return to Light, and for Daybreak, Best Global Music Performance.
2. Shakti, Shankar Mahadevan
Shakti is the fusion group in which Indian singer Shankar Mahadevan was known, along with John McLaughlin, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and V. Selvaganesh. The group was nominated for music in the categories worldwide music for Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) and worldwide music for Shrini’s Dream (Live).
3. Siddhant Bhatia
Composer Siddhant Bhatia achieved fame for his album ‘Sounds of Kumbha ‘, which was influenced by the Kumbh’s spiritual vibe and music. The project also garnered a nomination for Best Global Music Album, which is a mixture of devotional music and modern musical arrangements.
4. Charu Suri
Charu Suri, an Indo-American jazz pianist and composer, was nominated for her album Shayan and as a producer for Sounds of Kumbha. Her music is a fusion of Indian ragas and jazz, showcasing the creative potential of hybrid music.
5. Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar
Sarod player Alam Khan and drummer-composer Sarathy Korwar have been honored for their work on Chapter III: We Return to Light and its title track Daybreak. Their music presents an example of Indian classical instruments and current experimentation with rhythm around the world.
Conclusion
Indian artists left their mark at the Grammys 2026 with nominations in the classical music, jazz, and contemporary fusion genres. They didn’t win any trophies this year, but they were recognized internationally, thus showcasing the diversity and influence of Indian music.
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