Is PM Modi's WAVES 2025 the Future of Global Creativity and Connectivity?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- WAVES 2025 is India's first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit.
- The summit is expected to attract over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries.
- The event will highlight India's role in media and digital innovation.
- It features a Global Media Dialogue with representation from 25 nations.
- The summit aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029.
Mumbai, May 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened WAVES 2025, marking India's inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit in Mumbai. He emphasized that this event serves as a global platform for creativity and connectivity.
The four-day summit is designed to establish India as a leading center for media, entertainment, and digital innovation.
Speaking to an audience of artists, creators, policymakers, and investors from more than 100 nations, PM Modi highlighted that WAVES has the capacity to transform global creative interactions.
"Today, artists, investors, and innovators from over 100 countries are gathered in Mumbai. We are laying the groundwork for a global ecosystem of talent and creativity. WAVES is more than an acronym; it represents a wave of culture, connectivity, and universal engagement," he stated.
Offering his best wishes to the people of Maharashtra and Gujarat on their Foundation Day, the Prime Minister commended the international reach and influence of Indian artistry.
"WAVES is a platform open to every artist and creator, enabling all young talents to connect with the creative industry through innovative ideas," he remarked.
PM Modi also paid tribute to the origins of Indian cinema by recalling the premiere of Raja Harishchandra, India's first feature film directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, which debuted on May 3, 1913.
He pointed out that Indian cinema has historically enhanced India's global stature, mentioning the popularity of Raj Kapoor in Russia, Satyajit Ray's success at Cannes, and the recent acclaim of RRR at the Oscars.
The summit, themed 'Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries', is anticipated to attract over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries, including 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups.
It will host 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout discussions, and 32 masterclasses on diverse topics such as films, OTT, broadcasting, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), and digital media.
A significant feature of WAVES 2025 is the Global Media Dialogue, hosted by India for the first time, featuring ministerial participants from 25 nations. This dialogue seeks to enhance India's connection with the global media and entertainment sector.
Another highlight is the WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace aimed at fostering collaboration among over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects. This marketplace will encourage local and international networking, allowing creators and firms to explore new markets and partnerships.
WAVES 2025 aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of harnessing India's creative talent and technological capabilities to spearhead advancements in global digital and entertainment markets. The summit aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029 and enhance India's cultural and economic footprint globally.