Kerry Packer's Channel Nine is commissioning Indian producers after being awarded the daily 19.00-21.00 slot on Indian state broadcaster Doordarshan's Metro channel for a block of branded programming.

The Australian company, which has set up offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, is investing $12m in Indian programming and plans to launch 28 new shows including game shows, cinema-related shows and serials.

The block will be beamed across India from August 1. All programmes will be Hindi-language.