Global Creative Potential: As WAVES 2025 drew to a close, it had already established itself as more than just a summit—it became a transformative movement
empowering a billion untold stories, welcoming global investment, and placing India firmly at the heart of the world’s creative future.
The four-day WAVES 2025 Summit concluded in Mumbai’s BKC with a resounding message: India is ready to lead the global creative economy.
Jointly organised by the Central and Maharashtra governments, WAVES 2025 brought together over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries, encompassing diverse sectors like art, music, theatre, journalism, OTT, gaming, AVGC-XR, and creative writing.
The summit was marked by unprecedented participation from national and international creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors.
A Visionary Kick-off by Prime Minister Modi
Inaugurating the event at the Jio World Centre on May 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone for the summit’s mission—turning India into a global hub for content creation and storytelling rooted in its rich cultural heritage. Calling WAVES “a wave of culture, creativity, and universal connectivity,” he highlighted the significance of May 3, the release date of Raja Harishchandra in 1913, and paid homage to Indian film pioneers such as Dadasaheb Phalke, Satyajit Ray, and A.R. Rahman.
He also announced the launch of the WAVES Awards, envisioned to become among the world’s most prestigious accolades in the creative space. A commemorative series of stamps featuring cinematic legends was also unveiled to celebrate India’s artistic journey.
A Platform for Innovation and Inclusivity
According to Ashutosh Mohle, the summit’s Nodal Officer, WAVES 2025 offered a national platform for emerging creators whose talents now stand recognised globally. “Such events not only spotlight talent but also contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” he said.
Rajesh Joshi, Venue Partner at Warmup Ventures, described the exhibition area as a vibrant showcase of grassroots innovation. “The platform has significantly boosted the Start-up India initiative, drawing huge weekend crowds and enabling local talent to connect through technology.”
From Rural Roots to Global Reach
The summit emphasized inclusivity, as underlined by Sandeep Jhingran of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IMAI). “WAVES reached beyond metros—rural children also presented their creative skills. Substantial foreign investments have been initiated, and the Maharashtra government has already signed multiple MoUs,” he noted.
India’s Creative Economy Poised for a Global Leap
With more than 350 startups, 1,000 creators, and 300 companies participating, WAVES served as a launchpad for collaborations, business growth, and international partnerships. Key segments included the WAVES Bazaar, Creators Challenge, Global Media Dialogue involving 25 countries, and masterclasses led by global experts.
Create in India, Create for the World: In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to safeguarding cultural values through creativity, even in a tech-saturated world. WAVES, he said, should serve not only as a marketplace but as a moral compass, promoting compassion, inclusion, and originality.
The event’s emphasis on immersive and digital content—ranging from podcasts and reels to AR and VR storytelling—reflected the rising influence of India’s youth in the global creative space. PM Modi encouraged creators across India—from Kochi to Guwahati—to tap into the booming “Orange Economy” of content, creativity, and culture.
