In a power play that signals India‘s ambitious bid to become a global entertainment powerhouse, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally spearhead the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai.
The four-day entertainment industry confab aims to establish India as a force in the global media and entertainment landscape, bringing together a high-wattage mix of world leaders, industry heavyweights, policymakers, creators and tech innovators.
Per latest numbers from the annual FICCI-EY India media and entertainment landscape report, the sector hit INR2.5 trillion ($29.4 billion) in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7% and reach $36.1 billion by 2027. Digital media will lead the expansion, climbing to $12.9 billion, while online gaming is expected to grow to $3.69 billion. Animation and VFX are projected to reach $1.72 billion.
Modi’s high-profile involvement underscores the Indian government’s strategic vision of positioning the country as both a content juggernaut and technological leader in entertainment. The Prime Minister’s address is expected to outline India’s roadmap for leveraging creative industries as key economic growth drivers.
The summit’s star-studded roster of politicians and administrators includes External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Sanjay Jaju, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra Sujata Saunik and over 100 international diplomats and policymakers.
“The intersection of creativity, media, and technology is transforming the media landscape of the world and reaching a new level of convergence,” said Vaishnaw, who also holds the Railways and Electronics & IT portfolios. “WAVES 2025 will provide a platform for creators from all walks of life to generate high-value content and collaborate with global media giants.”
Jaishankar emphasized the event’s industry-shaping potential, describing it as “a pivotal platform for fostering discussions, collaboration, and innovation in the media and entertainment industry.”
The summit will feature seven distinct program tracks, with the centerpiece being the May 2 Global Media Dialogue, where ministers, policymakers and industry leaders will tackle hot-button issues including AI, content localization, cross-border collaborations, digital rights and sustainability in media production.
The WAVES Bazaar will debut as the industry’s first global e-marketplace, facilitating year-round content trade across film, television, music, gaming and digital platforms, while the WaveXcelerator will function as a launchpad for M&E startups, with live pitching sessions and investor matchmaking.
Other attractions include the Bharat Pavilion, showcasing India’s creative heritage; thought leadership tracks addressing AI, IP rights and digital monetization; the Create in India Challenge celebrating emerging talent; and WAVES Culturals featuring live performances.
Maharashtra’s Fadnavis, whose government has partnered with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for the event, talked up Mumbai’s credentials as the perfect host city.
“Mumbai, the financial and entertainment capital of India, serves as the perfect backdrop for WAVES 2025, seamlessly blending ancient and modern cultural influences while fostering collaboration and cultural diplomacy in the media and entertainment sector,” said Fadnavis, who also announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology to nurture creative talent.
Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju described WAVES 2025 as the world’s first-ever convergence platform for the entire M&E sector, designed to bridge traditional and emerging media while showcasing India’s cultural richness through content creation and technological innovation.
The summit aims to address key industry concerns, including AI in content creation, intellectual property rights, misinformation, media ethics and sustainable production practices.
By positioning the M&E sector as integral to the “Orange Economy,” WAVES 2025 will highlight the industry’s role in economic growth, job creation and cultural exchange — establishing media and entertainment as what organizers call “a powerful unifying force” in the digital age.
The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit is scheduled for May 1-4 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre.
