Mumbai, 1st May 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a significant event. This event was the first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai. The event took place on Thursday. He called it a landmark initiative. This summit is poised to propel India to the forefront of the global creative economy.
A Global Gathering of Creative Minds
The summit was described by PM Modi as a confluence of global talent. He addressed a massive audience comprising more than 10,000 delegates from over 90 countries. The audience included 1,000 content creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups. Attendees ranged from filmmakers and musicians to gaming developers, investors, and cultural policymakers.
“Today, artists, innovators, investors, and decision-makers from across the world have come together under one roof. This is the foundation of a truly global ecosystem of creativity,” the Prime Minister said during his keynote address.
“WAVES is Not Just an Acronym”
Highlighting the symbolic essence of the event, Modi remarked, “WAVES is not just an acronym. It is a real wave — a wave of films, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling.” He added that the energy and enthusiasm were visible from the very beginning. They captured global attention and made the summit a roaring success on debut.
India’s Orange Economy on the Rise
PM Modi underlined India’s evolving position as a content superpower. “This is India’s orange economy moment. It is driven by creativity, content, and culture,” he said. He noted the growing international reach of Indian films, which are now being released in over 100 countries. He linked this creative surge to India’s overall economic ascent, pointing out, “Our time has just started. We are on the path to becoming the third-largest economy in the world.”
Creativity in the Age of AI
Amid technological advancements like AI and automation, Modi stressed the enduring relevance of human expression. “In an age dominated by machines, it is our imagination, empathy, and cultural expression that keep us human. These qualities make us truly global,” he said.
Launch of WAVES Awards Announced
One of the major highlights of Modi’s address was the announcement of the WAVES Awards. This is a new global recognition platform. It is dedicated to celebrating excellence in creativity and storytelling. “These awards will become the most prestigious honors in the creative arts and cultural industries worldwide,” he affirmed.
Looking Ahead: India as a Creative Superhub
The Prime Minister concluded his speech. He expressed confidence that India’s creative economy would shape global narratives in the coming decades. “WAVES 2025 is just the beginning. The world will witness many more waves rising from India’s shores—of innovation, of talent, and of timeless stories,” he said.
