Wed Apr 30 17:20:41 UTC 2025: ## India Hosts Inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit
**Mumbai, India (May 1, 2025)** – The first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) kicked off today in Mumbai, with ministers from nearly 30 countries in attendance. The four-day summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to establish India as a global leader in the creative and technological aspects of the entertainment industry.
The event features a prominent Bharat Pavilion showcasing India’s contributions to entertainment, from traditional arts (“Kala”) to modern technology (“Code”). Several Indian states also have dedicated pavilions. The summit includes plenary sessions with Bollywood icons such as Hema Malini, Rajinikanth, and A.R. Rahman, offering insights into the evolution of Indian storytelling.
Breakout sessions will delve into crucial industry topics, including the regulatory landscape of digital broadcasting, the use of artificial intelligence in creative production, and investment opportunities in the gaming sector. A focus on generative AI and its application in storytelling, as well as the use of culture in branding, will also be explored. A dedicated “New Arcade” event will connect venture capitalists with emerging gaming entrepreneurs.
Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from several countries, including the UK, Russia, and Indonesia. The summit’s Global Media Dialogue will facilitate interaction between ministers and key global policymakers in the media and entertainment sector. The event is designed to attract creators, innovators, and investors, shaping the future of the entertainment landscape.
First Piper 