World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit is held at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai WAVES 2025. It is a New Era for Global Creativity and India’s Cultural Leadership.
The countdown is over, and a defining moment has arrived—Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated the first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. This landmark event is unlike any other, drawing creative leaders, celebrities, investors, artists, and innovators from over 100 countries present under one roof.
From Bollywood legends to global entertainment icons, the summit spans four exciting days filled with discussions, performances, and collaborations, laying the foundation for a new global creative ecosystem.
A Global Stage for Young Creators
One of WAVES’ most promising aspects is the opportunity it offers to the youth. This is not just about watching screen idols or admiring film technicians—it’s about engaging with them, learning from them, and co-creating new ideas. WAVES fosters a unique space that goes far beyond typical award shows or panel discussions. It’s interactive, educational, and deeply collaborative.
This summit is a melting pot where creativity meets purpose, and where young talents are empowered to dream, innovate, and lead.
A Vision Beyond Borders
Prime Minister Modi, in his inaugural address, emphasized how this platform reflects India’s ancient yet ever-evolving tradition of storytelling and expression. WAVES is not just an acronym, he noted—it is a real “wave” of creativity that connects film, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling with global audiences.
With dignitaries including the Governors, Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, ambassadors, and international ministers of art and culture present, WAVES truly represents a united vision for global creative collaboration.
Honoring India’s Cultural Legacy
May 1 also marked an important milestone in India’s cinematic journey—it comes just days after the birth anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke, the pioneer of Indian cinema whose first feature film Raja Harishchandra was released in 1913. Prime Minister Modi remembered how Indian cinema has made a mark around the whole world. He mentioned Raj Kapoor’s popularity in Russia, Satyajit Ray’s recognition at Cannes and the recent Oscar win RRR’s film.
To honor this legacy, the government released commemorative stamps featuring iconic figures in Indian cinema.
Creativity as a Cultural Force
PM Modi highlighted his own engagement with the creative world over the years—from meeting game developers and filmmakers to experimenting with international projects like the global rendition of “Vaishnav Jan To” on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
That initiative, involving artists from 150 countries, demonstrated how creativity can unite people across borders. WAVES is the next step in that journey, bringing vision to life in a structured, powerful way.
First Edition, Global Attention
Even in its debut, WAVES is making global headlines. The summit’s advisory board and organizing team have worked tirelessly to bring it to life. Initiatives like the Creators Challenge and Creatosphere drew participation from over 100,000 creative minds across 60 nations, with 800 finalists now ready to showcase their work.
PM Modi congratulated the finalists and encouraged them to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A Future of Indian Storytelling
India is a country of over a billion stories—each rooted in culture, heritage, and emotion. From ancient Sanskrit dramas like Abhijnanashakuntalam is often translated as “The Recognition of Shakuntala “to folk tales from remote villages, from classical ragas to modern podcasts, every art form carries a unique story.
India’s storytelling is not limited to mythology or culture—it includes science, sports, bravery, and innovation. These narratives are not only timeless but also thought-provoking and globally relevant.
India’s Creative Economy on the Rise
WAVES spots the beginning of India’s Orange Economy—a unity of content, creativity, and culture. The summit is designed to elevate India’s status as a global hub for film, music, digital content, gaming, fashion, and animation.
With Indian films now being released in over 100 countries and foreign audiences engaging with them more deeply through subtitles and context, the demand for Indian content is surging. OTT platforms in India have grown tenfold in recent years, and PM Modi emphasized that “while screens are getting smaller, their impact is growing larger.”
New Markets, New Opportunities
One of the standout features of WAVES is the WAVES Bazaar, a market-oriented initiative that connects creators directly with buyers and investors. It’s designed to give upcoming artists a chance to scale their work and find global audiences.
India is growing fast in animation, live concerts, and creative business, showing the great talent and potential of its young youth. With the global animation industry valued at over $430 billion—and expected to double in the next decade—India is positioned to become a key contributor.
Government Backing for Creative Aspirations
The Prime Minister assured the audience that the Indian government is fully committed to supporting creative talent through policies, platforms, and skill development programs. From Skill India to Startup India, the government is fostering an environment where imagination is nurtured, and ideas are valued.
Future plans for WAVES Awards—poised to become one of the most prestigious recognitions in the creative world—signal a long-term vision to uplift India’s soft power on the world stage.
A Message to Global Creators
PM Modi asked the global creators to inspect India’s stories. He believes they’ll discover narratives that resonate universally emphasizing that storytelling bridges cultures and creates lasting bonds. India’s civilizational openness, reflected in its embrace of diverse cultures like Parsis and Jews, is proof that India welcomes the world’s stories just as it shares its own.
The Right Time is Now
In a powerful closing message, PM Modi declared that this is the “right time to create in India and create for the world.” With its rich heritage, technological innovation, and unmatched storytelling tradition, India stands ready to lead a global cultural renaissance.
WAVES is not just a summit—it is a movement. A celebration. And above all, a promise to the future of creativity, led by India and embraced by the world.
