Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (Waves) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai on Thursday, calling it a transformative platform that units united the creators, storytellers, newmen and policy makers around the world.
Addressing a packed auditorium from global representatives, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today artists, neo -renewers, investors and policy makers from more than 100 countries have gathered under the same roof. We are laying the foundation of the global ecosystem of talent and creativity. Waves are a global stage that is of every artist and creator.”
This summit with the theme “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countrys” is aimed at establishing India as a central center in the global creative economy. Integrating cinema, streaming platforms, animation, gaming, immersive technology (AVGC-XR), Artificial Intelligence and more, Waves 2025 aims to open a target of US $ 50 billion for Indian media and entertainment sector by 2029.
Considering India’s growing cultural impact, Prime Minister Modi said, “In recent years, Indian cinema has succeeded in spreading India’s spirit to every corner of the world. From Raj Kapoor’s legacy in Russia to Satyajit Ray’s talent in ear and RRR’s victory in Oscars, these achievements say a lot.”
He further said, “Whether it is Guru Dutt’s poetic cinema, AR Rahman’s musical rhythm, or Rajamouli’s epic story, these stories have touched the hearts of millions. Just as a mother weaves dreams for her child, the creative world weaves dreams of an entire era.”
The main attraction of Waves 2025 is the inauguration of the global media talks (GMD), in which ministers and dignitaries of 25 countries will come together to discuss cross -border cooperation in creative industries.
The program also includes Waves Bazaar, a dynamic digital market with over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers and 2,100 creative projects that provide huge networking and commercial possibilities. During his visit, PM Modi will explore Createosphere, which is a demonstration of talents selected from 32 “Create in India Challenge” started a year ago, in which more than one lakh participants attended.
He will also visit the Bharat Pavilion, which is an experience of throwing light on the tradition of telling India’s story and digital innovation.
The grandeur of the summit increased further than the reception adorned with stars. Shah Rukh Khan started the evening with a strong address on the stage, in which he welcomed people from all over the world, while famous singer Shreya Ghoshal performed a soulful welcome song. The opening ceremony at Neeta Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center (NMACC) will also include a 50 -member live orchestra led by Oscar winning composer MM Kirwani, which will create an emotional and artistic atmosphere for the coming days.
Waves 2025, from May 1 to May 4, will last for four days and will include 42 full sessions, 39 breakout sessions and 32 masterclass, which will focus on areas ranging from broadcasting and OTT to immersive media and gaming.
Prominent people participating in it include superstars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone and Rajinikanth.
The first world of its kind in India began with the audio visual and entertainment summit “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries” tagline, which aims to establish India as a global center for media, entertainment and digital innovation by bringing together the creators, startups, industry leaders and policy makers from all over the world.
According to the Prime Minister’s attitude to shape a bright future by taking advantage of creativity, technology and talent, Waves will integrate movies, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-AR, broadcast and emerging technology, making it a widespread performance of India’s media and entertainment skills. Waves aims to open a market of $ 50 billion by 2029, which will expand India’s presence in the global entertainment economy.
In Waves 2025, India will also host the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, in which ministers from 25 countries will participate, which will prove to be a milestone in the country’s association with the global media and entertainment scenario. The summit will also include Waves Bazaar, which is a global e-marketplace with over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 vendors and 2,100 projects. Its purpose is to add local and global to buyers and vendors, so that comprehensive networking and business opportunities can be ensured.
The Prime Minister will visit the Creatorcefier and will interact with the creators selected out of 32 Create in India challenges launched about a year ago, for which more than one lakh registrations were done. He will also visit the Bharat Pavilion.
Waves 2025 will participate in more than 10,000 representatives, 1,000 creators, more than 300 companies and more than 350 startups from more than 90 countries. The summit will feature 42 plainry sessions, 39 breakout sessions and 32 masterclass, which will be held in many fields including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, film and digital media.