New Delhi: The Indian government is set to host the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from February 5th to 9th, 2025. This landmark event is expected to attract major stakeholders, innovators, and industry leaders from across the globe, signaling India’s ambition to become a major hub for the media, entertainment, and technology sectors.
Speaking at a promotional roadshow held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) in Hyderabad, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, emphasized the significance of WAVES as the first-ever global summit to encompass the entire spectrum of the M&E industry.
WAVES: A Global Platform for Media and Entertainment
“WAVES will serve as a premier forum fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation,” Shri Jaju stated, highlighting how the summit aims to elevate India’s M&E sector to new heights. “Our goal is to attract international trade and investments, address industry challenges, and shape the future of the sector.”
The summit promises a close coordination between the M&E industry and technology sectors, which are becoming increasingly interconnected in the digital age. Attendees will include industry leaders, innovators, content creators, and technology experts, who will engage in discussions around opportunities and emerging trends in the industry. WAVES will also focus on fostering trade collaborations between India and other countries to enhance India’s export potential in M&E.
Telangana’s Role in Promoting Innovation
Participating in the event, Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of Telangana’s Department of IT, Electronics & Communications, praised the state’s role in promoting technological advancements and innovations within the M&E space. “Telangana has a well-curated ecosystem to promote innovation, and we are eager to take our success to the national level through platforms like WAVES,” Shri Ranjan remarked.
The state of Telangana, which has become a significant player in India’s IT and entertainment sectors, is poised to leverage this summit to further promote itself as a center of excellence for M&E innovation.
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Government Pledges to Combat Piracy and Support Gaming Sector
In addition to outlining the goals of WAVES, Shri Sanjay Jaju met with key representatives from the film industry and the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector in Hyderabad earlier in the day. Organized by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Hyderabad’s regional office, the meeting aimed to address the pressing issue of piracy that plagues the film industry.
Shri Jaju promised strict enforcement of anti-piracy measures, stating that the government is committed to protecting intellectual property and ensuring the industry can thrive in a fair and secure environment. The Secretary also offered assurances of government support to the gaming industry, which has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, particularly in the online and mobile gaming markets.
Key Participants and Industry Collaboration
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including Shri Ajay Dhoke, General Manager of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and CEO of WAVES, Shri Rajendra Singh, CEO of CBFC, Smt. Shifali Kumar, Regional Officer of CBFC Hyderabad, and Shri Rahul Gowlikar, Executive Officer of CBFC Hyderabad. These key figures are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the WAVES summit.
A Global Opportunity for India’s Media and Entertainment Industry
With WAVES 2025, India is positioning itself as a global player in the media and entertainment sectors, seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for content and entertainment technology. The summit will also serve as a platform for discussing the latest developments in media technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), which are transforming the way content is produced and consumed worldwide.
India’s M&E sector has shown remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the rise of digital platforms and the increasing global consumption of Indian films, music, and online content. The government’s support for the industry, coupled with the opportunities presented by WAVES, is expected to propel the country’s media and entertainment landscape into a new era of global prominence.
The upcoming summit will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, ensuring a dynamic exchange of ideas aimed at building a sustainable and globally competitive M&E industry in India.
