Create in India, create for world: PM Modi
Mumbai, May 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday launched Indias first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) at Mumbaiís Jio World Centre with a declaration that now was the right time to create in India, create for the world.î
The landmark event, coinciding with Maharashtra Day celebrations, brought together creative professionals, tech innovators, and entertainment industry leaders from over 100 countries in what observers are calling Indiaís most significant push yet to position itself as a global hub for media and entertainment.
Even though screen sizes are getting smaller, our scope is becoming infinite, PM Modi told the packed auditorium, dressed in his characteristic kurta paired with a deep blue jacket.
His remarks drew enthusiastic applause from international delegates and Bollywood celebrities alike.
PM Modis address took an unexpected philosophical turn when he emphasised the need for technology to enhance human sensitivity rather than diminish it.
Humans should not be turned into robots, the PM said. We need to make them more sensitive.î
Against the backdrop of the ongoing Supreme Court deliberations on online content regulation, Modi spoke about creative responsibility in the digital age.
The goal isnt creating robots but nurturing individuals with emotional depth and intellectual richness, he said, suggesting that creative industries had an important role in shaping societal values.
This emphasis on human-centred technology marks a distinct approach in Indias digital development strategy, according to industry analysts present at the event.
The summit opened with a cultural showcase featuring a modern arrangement of a Rig Veda hymn composed by Oscar-winner M M Keeravani and performed by Shreya Ghoshal, setting a tone that blended tradition with contemporary creative expression.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan welcomed the attendees before introducing the Prime Minister.
ìOur stories have always been our strength, Khan said, highlighting Indiaís rich narrative traditions.
The event featured an unprecedented gathering of Indian cinema legends including Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Hema Malini, Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Kartik Aaryan, and S S Rajamouli.
Each contributed brief statements supporting the governments creative industries initiative.
Between the cultural performances, PM Modi outlined concrete policy measures designed to support Indias creative ecosystem.
He assured that his government was implementing targeted programmes through Skill India extensions, expanded startup support, and new policies specifically for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sectors.
Like Indian ëkhana, I am sure Indian ëgaanaí will also become popular globally, PM Modi said, drawing appreciative laughter from the international contingent.
For industry professionals who have advocated for more robust government support, he described WAVES as a platform where creativity meets coding, software blends with storytelling, and art merges with augmented reality.
The summit continues through the week with specialised sessions covering film production, digital content creation, gaming development, and emerging technologies.
Market analysts note that with Indiaís entertainment and media market projected to reach US 55 billion dollars by 2026, the timing of this initiative aligns with both domestic growth potential and global demand for diverse content.
The government expects WAVES to become an annual event, potentially positioning Mumbai alongside Cannes and Sundance as a must-attend destination on the global creative calendar.
WAVES 2025 is a four-day summit with the tagline ëConnecting Creators, Connecting Countries and is poised to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation by bringing together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
In line with PM Modis vision of leveraging creativity, technology, and talent to shape a brighter future, WAVES would integrate films, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-XR, broadcasting, and emerging tech, making it a comprehensive showcase of Indias media and entertainment prowess.
WAVES aims to unlock a US 50 billion dollar market by 2029, expanding Indias footprint in the global entertainment economy.
