Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the launch of the first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a global platform aimed at promoting Indian creativity on the world stage and fostering international collaboration in the entertainment sector.
Speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit hosted by News18, the Prime Minister emphasized the growing influence of the entertainment industry globally, noting its massive potential for expansion. He said that WAVES, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, will celebrate and elevate India’s dynamic cultural and artistic landscape.
“The WAVES summit will not only empower Indian artists to reach global audiences but will also welcome creators from around the world to collaborate in India,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of India’s rapidly evolving creative sectors, which include film, music, gaming, podcasts, animation, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). He reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing these industries through the “Create in India” initiative, which aims to position the country as a global hub for content creation and innovation.
Earlier, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw provided additional details about the summit, stating that it will include 31 “Create in India” challenges designed to nurture emerging talent. These challenges have already shortlisted over 400 creators from various creative domains, including comics, gaming, music, broadcasting, animation, and visual effects.
The goal, Vaishnaw said, is to help these creators refine their ideas and convert them into market-ready products, while also ensuring the protection of their intellectual property rights.
The summit is expected to feature over 725 creators, offering them a platform to showcase their work, engage with industry leaders, and explore opportunities for global collaboration.
With WAVES, India aims to amplify its cultural voice on the global stage while fostering a robust ecosystem for creative innovation.
