Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-anticipated WAVES 2025 on Thursday, marking a transformative moment for India’s media and entertainment sector. Held in Mumbai, this four-day international event—India’s first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit—sets the stage for global collaboration across creative industries.
Modi described WAVES not just as an acronym, but as a movement—one that carries the energy of global culture, connection, and creativity. With delegates from over 100 countries, including artists, entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders, the summit serves as a launchpad for an interconnected creative economy that transcends borders.
During his opening remarks, the Prime Minister extended greetings on Maharashtra and Gujarat’s Foundation Day and honored India’s cinematic milestones. He remembered Dadasaheb Phalke’s pioneering film Raja Harishchandra, which premiered on May 3, 1913, and noted the lasting influence of Indian filmmakers like Raj Kapoor and Satyajit Ray. He also celebrated RRR’s recent international acclaim, illustrating India’s evolving impact on the global film stage.
Under the theme “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries,” WAVES 2025 brings together more than 10,000 participants from across 90 nations. The summit features over 1,000 creators, 300-plus enterprises, and 350 startups. Participants will have access to 42 main sessions, 39 in-depth discussions, and 32 expert-led masterclasses covering a wide range of industries including OTT, digital storytelling, animation, VFX, gaming, and AVGC-XR.
A key highlight is the Global Media Dialogue, spearheaded by India and featuring ministers from 25 nations. This segment focuses on enhancing global cooperation in media and entertainment. Meanwhile, the WAVES Bazaar offers a unique digital marketplace, connecting 6,100 buyers with 5,200 sellers, and presenting over 2,100 projects—designed to spark cross-border deals and open new creative markets.
WAVES 2025 reflects Modi’s long-term vision of placing India at the forefront of the $50 billion global entertainment economy by 2029. By merging its cultural richness with digital innovation, India is poised to become a powerful force in the world’s creative future.
