Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated WAVES 2025, India’s first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, describing it as a global platform that fosters creativity and connectivity.

The four-day event, held in Mumbai, aims to position India as a leading hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation. Addressing delegates from over 100 countries, PM Modi emphasized the summit’s potential to reshape global creative collaboration.

“Artists, investors, innovators, and policymakers from more than 100 nations are in Mumbai today. WAVES is not just an acronym; it is a true wave of culture, connectivity, and universal connection,” Modi said.

Extending greetings on Maharashtra and Gujarat Foundation Day, he highlighted WAVES 2025 as a space that empowers creators and connects youth with global opportunities in the creative sector.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the roots of Indian cinema, recalling Raja Harishchandra, the first Indian feature film directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, which released on May 3, 1913. He noted the international appeal of Indian cinema, citing examples like Raj Kapoor in Russia, Satyajit Ray at Cannes, and RRR’s recent Oscar win.

Under the theme “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries,” WAVES 2025 brings together more than 10,000 delegates, including 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups from over 90 countries.

The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout discussions, and 32 masterclasses across areas such as film, OTT, broadcasting, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), and digital media.

A central feature of the summit is the Global Media Dialogue, hosted for the first time in India, with ministerial participation from 25 countries. The dialogue is expected to enhance India’s engagement with the international media and entertainment sectors.

Another major initiative is the WAVES Bazaar, an international e-marketplace facilitating collaboration among more than 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 creative projects. The platform is designed to open new markets and drive global partnerships.

WAVES 2025 supports Prime Minister Modi’s vision of harnessing India’s creative and technological strengths to become a leader in the global digital and entertainment economy. The summit targets unlocking a $50 billion creative market by 2029, expanding India’s cultural and economic influence worldwide.