India will host the first-ever World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025. This event is a significant step towards positioning India as a global media and entertainment center, uniting top industry leaders, including media CEOs, entertainment experts, and creative talents. The WAVES Summit is designed to encourage collaboration, investment, and technological progress within the global entertainment industry.
What is the WAVES Summit and Why is it Important?
The WAVES Summit is envisioned as a global platform similar to economic forums like Davos but dedicated to the media and entertainment industry. This event will highlight innovations in animation, gaming, visual effects, and filmmaking. It will create a space for both Indian and international industry leaders to come together, share insights on future trends, and investigate potential investment opportunities.
The Indian government, recognizing the country’s potential in media and entertainment, has structured this summit to boost India’s creative economy. With India’s rapidly growing digital content consumption and expanding influence in cinema, WAVES is expected to play a key role in positioning the country as a leader in content creation and entertainment technology.
How is the Government Supporting the Initiative?
The announcement of WAVES was made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Advisory Board for WAVES includes global industry leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Mukesh Ambani. These influential figures have shared their insights to help India emerge as a major global player in the entertainment sector.
The government initially planned to launch WAVES alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in November 2024. However, to ensure wider participation and greater impact, the event was first shifted to February 2025 and then to May 2025. This reflects the commitment to making WAVES a major annual event that drives industry innovation, global partnerships, and economic growth.
How is WAVES Honoring Indian Cinema Legends?
Alongside the summit, Prime Minister Modi honored iconic figures of Indian cinema on the occasion of their centenary birth anniversaries. Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Tapan Sinha were recognized for their significant contributions to India’s cultural and cinematic heritage. Modi highlighted their enduring influence on both Indian and global cinema, underscoring India’s rich cultural legacy in filmmaking.
The WAVES Summit 2025 represents a significant step toward transforming India into a global media powerhouse. By bringing together international industry leaders, fostering technological advancements, and celebrating India’s cinematic history, the event is expected to elevate India’s standing in the global entertainment industry.
