PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 on Thursday at the Jio World Convention Centre.
PM hailed it as a transformative global platform for creativity, connectivity, and innovation.
WAVES 2025 marks India’s first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, aimed at establishing the country as a leading hub in the global media, entertainment, and digital innovation sectors.
The four-day summit, themed ‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries’, brings together over 10,000 delegates from 90+ countries, including 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi described WAVES as a global platform that unites artists, innovators, investors, and policymakers from across the world.
“Today, the foundation of a global ecosystem of talent and creativity is being laid here in Mumbai,” PM Modi said. “WAVES is not just an acronym; it is a true wave of culture, connectivity, and universal collaboration.”
He extended greetings to the people of Maharashtra and Gujarat on their Foundation Day and emphasised India’s growing cultural and digital influence.
Reflecting on India’s cinematic legacy, PM Modi paid tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke and the release of Raja Harishchandra on May 3, 1913, India’s first feature film.
He highlighted global icons such as Raj Kapoor in Russia, Satyajit Ray’s Cannes acclaim, and RRR’s Oscar win as examples of Indian storytelling’s international impact.
“From Guru Dutt’s poetic cinema to AR Rahman’s musical rhythms and Rajamouli’s epic narratives, Indian creativity continues to inspire the world,” he said.
The summit kicked off with a grand cultural event at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan welcomed international delegates, and singer Shreya Ghoshal delivered a soulful performance.
The evening also featured a live 50-piece orchestra led by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravaani.
A central feature of WAVES 2025 is the Global Media Dialogue (GMD), hosted by India for the first time.
Ministers and dignitaries from 25 countries are participating in high-level discussions to foster cross-border collaboration in creative industries.
A key highlight is WAVES Bazaar, linking 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects globally.
The platform promotes international partnerships and business development in media and entertainment.
PM Modi is scheduled to visit the Creatosphere, a dedicated space showcasing talent selected from the 32 ‘Create in India Challenges’ launched last year, which received over 100,000 registrations.
He will also explore the Bharat Pavilion, which highlights India’s storytelling traditions and digital innovation.
WAVES 2025 integrates key sectors such as film, OTT platforms, broadcasting, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), digital media, and AI.
The summit supports the PM’s vision to tap a $50 billion creative market by 2029.
The summit includes 42 plenaries, 39 breakouts, and 32 masterclasses across media and entertainment.
Prominent Indian film stars, including Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Rajinikanth, are among the participants.
WAVES 2025 aims to make India a global hub for creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
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