Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan conducted a comprehensive review meeting in Mumbai today to assess the preparations for the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. The minister evaluated on-ground readiness at the Jio World Convention Centre, the designated venue for this landmark event, which is poised to redefine India’s role in the global media and entertainment industry.
The review meeting brought together nodal officers from the Government of India and the State Government of Maharashtra, who presented updates on the progress made across WAVES’ four core pillars: Broadcasting and Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media and Innovation, and Films. Key initiatives such as WAVES Bazaar, WAVEX, Bharat Pavilion, and the Create in India Challenges were discussed, reflecting the summit’s diverse scope and ambitious vision.
During the meeting, nodal officers detailed the preparatory activities being undertaken for various verticals of WAVES, including infrastructure, event logistics, and stakeholder coordination. The minister emphasized the importance of aligning the summit with India’s broader strategy for fostering innovation, creative collaboration, and cultural leadership on the global stage. Following these deliberations, the minister toured the summit venue to inspect on-ground arrangements and assess progress firsthand.
The inaugural World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit will take place in Mumbai from May 1 to May 4, 2025. As India’s financial and cultural capital, Mumbai was strategically chosen to host this milestone event, reflecting its status as the heart of the nation’s media and entertainment sector. The summit aims to serve as the ultimate global platform for industry professionals, creators, innovators, and investors to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the evolving M&E landscape.
WAVES 2025 promises to amplify India’s position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property development, and technological breakthroughs. It will bring together industries spanning Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Extended Reality.
The summit’s initiatives, including WAVES Bazaar, Bharat Pavilion, and the Create in India Challenges, aim to showcase the convergence of traditional media with cutting-edge technologies. These platforms provide a unique opportunity for participants to exhibit their creative ingenuity, explore new partnerships, and accelerate the growth of India’s cultural economy. The Create in India Challenges alone have attracted a remarkable number of registrations, reflecting the growing interest in harnessing India’s creative potential across genres and industries.
As the preparations continue to gain momentum, WAVES 2025 is expected to emerge as a defining moment for India’s media and entertainment sector, positioning the nation as a global leader in innovation and creativity. The collaborative efforts of government agencies, industry stakeholders, and creative professionals will ensure that this event delivers on its promise of transforming India into a beacon of cultural excellence.
