Ministers from about 30 countries confirm participation in WAVES summit; PM Modi to inaugurate the event on Thursday

Ministers from about 30 countries have confirmed their participation in the first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 1, 2025).

On the second day of the four-day summit, the Global Media Dialogue is scheduled to be held for the interaction of the Ministers with key policymakers dealing with the media and entertainment sector across the globe.

It is learnt that Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw may hold bilateral meetings with senior representatives from several countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Egypt, Bhutan, Bahrain, Eswatini, and Indonesia.

Th event aims to position India as a creative and technological force across industries, from cinema and television to AI, immersive reality, gaming, and digital media. For creators, innovators, and investors, it promises to offer a powerful platform to shape the future of entertainment.

“Kala to Code”

At the centre of the venue is the Bharat Pavilion, spread across 1,470 square metres, showcasing India’s dynamic legacy under the theme “Kala to Code”. The event will also feature exclusive pavilions of several States, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh.

During the event, plenary sessions featuring icons such as Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, S.S. Rajamouli, A.R. Rahman, Anil Kapoor, and Karan Johar will be organised.

“These sessions will offer rich insight into the evolution of Indian storytelling and the new expectations of the global audience,” said the Ministry.

“Breakout sessions will take a deep dive into the industry’s next frontier. Topics include regulatory frameworks for digital broadcasting, the role of artificial intelligence in creative production, and investment opportunities in the gaming sector. An open house hosted by professionals from NVIDIA will explore how AI is reshaping animation, visual effects, and immersive storytelling,” it said.

Another key event, titled The New Arcade, will bring together venture capitalists and emerging gaming entrepreneurs to discuss the future of gaming in India. On day one, a session will also explore how generative AI is helping creators visualise and produce compelling stories. Another will focus on how brands can use culture not just for marketing but as a foundation to build identity and trust in a rapidly evolving market, said the Ministry.