Government maps roadmap to make India a global live events hub by 2030

New Delhi: The government is striking the right chord to make India a global destination for concerts, festivals and large-scale entertainment events. With an ambitious target of turning the country into a global live events hub by 2030, the Centre has rolled out a series of reforms aimed at simplifying approvals, expanding venue access and strengthening industry infrastructure.

The initiative is being driven by the Live Events Development Cell, which was set up in July 2025 under the chairmanship of the secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The body brings together representatives from central ministries, state governments, industry associations and other stakeholders to develop a long-term roadmap for the sector.

According to information shared by L. Murugan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the LEDC has already held four meetings and initiated multiple measures to improve ease of doing business, strengthen infrastructure and promote sustainable growth across the live events ecosystem.

A key reform is the launch of an online permission system on the India Cine Hub. The platform provides a single digital workflow for applications, approvals, payments, inspections and coordination among departments. It also offers real-time tracking, digital payments, audit trails and time-bound processing with escalation mechanisms for delays.

To support the rollout, 29 states and Union Territories have designated nodal officers for processing live event permissions through the portal.

The government has also circulated the Model Executive Order for Streamlining Licensing and Permissions for Live Events in India, 2026 to all states and Union Territories. So far, three states or Union Territories have adopted the framework, which is intended to standardise licensing procedures and reduce regulatory hurdles.

In another major development, the Archaeological Survey of India has issued a standard operating procedure for hosting live events at protected monuments and identified 224 heritage sites where such events may be organised under prescribed guidelines.

The LEDC has also prepared a concept note on a Greenfield Venue Development Policy, which has been shared with state governments, sports authorities and industry stakeholders to encourage the creation of dedicated live entertainment infrastructure.

Recognising the need for skilled professionals, the government has constituted a skilling committee. Under this initiative, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, in collaboration with the Media and Entertainment Skills Council and the Event and Entertainment Management Association, is developing certificate programmes, short-term courses and elective modules focused on live events management.

The LEDC has also flagged several policy issues requiring inter-ministerial action, including visa and FRRO facilitation for international artists and crews, access to sports and heritage venues, streamlining music licensing, permissions for events beyond 10 pm, taxation and access to finance.

Separately, following a recommendation from the LEDC, the Reserve Bank of India has removed the requirement for bank guarantees on advance remittances of $500,000 and above for imported services under the Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2026. The revised regulations are scheduled to come into effect from October 1, 2026.

With regulatory simplification, infrastructure planning, heritage venue access and industry-focused skilling now moving in tandem, the government is seeking to build an ecosystem that not only attracts global live events but also strengthens India’s position as a leading destination for entertainment, tourism and cultural experiences.