Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Headline Mumbai’s WAVES 2025 Summit as India Stakes Claim in Global Entertainment Arena

To demonstrate India’s aspirations for global dominance in the entertainment industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take a leading role in kick-starting the first-ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), which will be held in Mumbai.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m excited about the four-day gathering that’s all set to position India as a major player in the international media and entertainment scene. This event promises a dazzling assembly of global leaders, industry titans, policy makers, visionary creators, and tech pioneers – an unmissable opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate.

According to the most recent findings from the FICCI-EY India Media and Entertainment Landscape Report published annually, the sector achieved a value of INR2.5 trillion (approximately $29.4 billion) in the year 2024. The industry is forecasted to expand at an annual growth rate of 7%, reaching approximately $36.1 billion by 2027. Digital media will spearhead this expansion, projected to reach $12.9 billion, while online gaming is expected to surge to $3.69 billion. The sectors of animation and VFX are anticipated to hit a figure of $1.72 billion respectively.

Modi’s active role emphasizes the Indian administration’s strategic plan to establish India as a powerhouse of content and a trailblazer in technology within the entertainment sector. The Prime Minister’s speech is anticipated to reveal India’s plan for utilizing creative industries as primary engines for economic development.

The distinguished lineup for the summit features S. Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister), Ashwini Vaishnaw (Information & Broadcasting Minister), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra Chief Minister), Dr. L. Murugan (Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting), Sanjay Jaju (Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting), Sujata Saunik (Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra), and more than 100 international diplomats and policymakers.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled about the merging of creativity, media, and technology that’s redefining our global media landscape. This symphony is not just evolving; it’s reaching unprecedented levels of unity. And let me tell you, WAVES 2025 is a beacon on this horizon. It offers a stage for creators from every corner to craft priceless content and join forces with titans in the global media industry.

Jaishankar underscored the significant impact this occasion could have, referring to it as “an essential stage for encouraging conversations, teamwork, and creative thinking within the realm of media and entertainment.

The event consists of seven unique sessions, with the main highlight being the International Media Dialogue on May 2nd, which brings together ministers, policymakers, and influential industry figures to discuss pressing topics such as artificial intelligence, regional content adaptation, international collaborations, digital freedoms, and eco-friendly media production methods.

The WAVES Marketplace is set to make its grand entrance as the first global online market for content trading across films, TV shows, music, video games, and digital platforms, operating all year round. Meanwhile, WaveXcelerator serves as a platform for emerging Media & Entertainment (M&E) startups, offering live pitch presentations and investor networking opportunities.

Additional features to explore include the Bharat Pavilion, displaying India’s rich artistic legacy; discussion forums focusing on AI, intellectual property rights, and digital revenue streams; the Create in India Contest honoring upcoming talents; and live entertainment at WAVES Culturals.

Maharashtra’s leader, Fadnavis, who is collaborating with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for this occasion, emphasized Mumbai’s exceptional qualifications to serve as the ideal hosting city.

Fadnavis stated that Mumbai, known as India’s financial and entertainment hub, provides an ideal setting for WAVES 2025. This vibrant city combines traditional and contemporary cultural elements, encouraging partnerships and diplomacy in the media and entertainment field. Moreover, he announced the founding of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology to cultivate creative talents.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju referred to WAVES 2025 as a pioneering global hub connecting all aspects of the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector. Its purpose is to bridge traditional media with emerging technologies, while presenting India’s cultural heritage through content production and technological advancements.

The meeting is intended to tackle major issues within the industry, such as AI for content generation, copyright matters, combating false information, maintaining ethical standards in media, and promoting eco-friendly production methods.

Positioning the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) sector as a crucial element of the “Orange Economy,” WAVES 2025 aims to emphasize its significant role in economic expansion, job creation, and cultural interaction – thereby demonstrating that media and entertainment serve as a potent unifying force in the digital era.

The first annual Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit will take place from May 1st to the 4th, specifically at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Center.

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2025-03-28 14:48