Mumbai, May 1, 2025 — The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) commenced today at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Spanning four days, this landmark event aims to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and creative technology.
A Grand Opening
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit, emphasizing India’s rich cultural heritage and its potential to lead in global creativity. He highlighted the importance of storytelling, music, and art in connecting people worldwide and announced the upcoming WAVES Awards, envisioned as the world’s foremost recognition in creativity .
Massive Participation
WAVES 2025 has attracted over 100,000 registrations, including more than 1,100 international participants. The summit features over 100 leading exhibitors, such as Netflix, Amazon, Google, Meta, Sony, Reliance, Adobe, Tata, Balaji Telefilms, Dharma Productions, Saregama, and Yash Raj Films .
Diverse Programming
The summit is structured around four core pillars: Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation, and Films. These segments cover a broad spectrum of the media and entertainment sector, from traditional broadcasting to emerging technologies like generative AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse .
Gaming Arena Highlights
A key attraction is the expansive Gaming Arena, showcasing the rapid growth of gaming and esports industries. Prominent brands such as Microsoft & Xbox, Dream11, Krafton, Nazara, MPL, and JioGames are participating, offering insights into the future of interactive entertainment .
Cultural Showcases
The Bharat Pavilion, a 1,470 sqm space, celebrates India’s creative legacy under the theme “Kala to Code.” Additionally, State Pavilions from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and others are showcasing regional cultural and creative strengths .
Public Engagement
While the initial days are dedicated to industry professionals, WAVES 2025 will open to the public on May 3 and 4. Students, content creators, entrepreneurs, and the general public are invited to experience the summit firsthand, with exhibition hours from 10 AM to 6 PM on May 3 and 10 AM to 5 PM on May 4 .
WAVES 2025 stands as a testament to India’s burgeoning role in the global media and entertainment landscape, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation across industries.
