On May 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi, emphasizing India’s growing role as a global hub for creative industries. The summit, themed “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries,” brought together industry leaders, filmmakers, and content creators from over 50 nations to foster collaboration and innovation.
In his keynote speech, PM Modi highlighted the transformative power of India’s media and entertainment sector, stating, “India’s diversity and talent are its greatest strengths. WAVES 2025 is a platform to showcase our creators to the world, blending tradition with technology to tell stories that resonate globally.” He noted that the sector, valued at ₹2.4 lakh crore in 2024, is projected to reach ₹3.5 lakh crore by 2030, driven by digital platforms and AI innovations.
Modi also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting creators, citing initiatives like the National Creators’ Awards 2025, which recognized 150 digital storytellers in February. He urged global filmmakers to leverage India’s diverse landscapes and the revamped Film Facilitation Office, which has streamlined shooting permits, with 1,200 international projects filmed in India over the past five years. “From the Himalayas to the Andamans, India is a canvas for creators,” he added.
The PM also touched on India’s soft power, pointing to the global popularity of Indian cinema and music, with over 1 billion annual streams of Indian songs on platforms like Spotify in 2024. He encouraged the adoption of AI and virtual production to reduce costs and enhance creativity, aligning with India’s digital growth—boasting 1.2 billion internet users as of January 2025.
WAVES 2025, concluding on May 3, features over 100 sessions, including workshops on AI in filmmaking and panels on cross-border collaborations. Modi’s address has set a forward-looking tone, positioning India as a leader in the global creative economy.
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