Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in virtual discussions with prominent Indian and international figures who serve on the WAVES Summit Advisory Board. The meeting included industry leaders such as Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of Mahindra & Mahindra, Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, and renowned television and film producer Ekta R. Kapoor.
The WAVES Summit has attracted widespread attention, with its primary goal being to elevate India’s stature in global content creation. As the country continues to make significant strides in the entertainment sector, the summit is seen as a major initiative in strengthening India’s influence in the global creative economy.
Following the meeting, PM Modi shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity, and culture. The members of the Advisory Board are eminent individuals from different walks of life, who not only reiterated their support but also shared valuable inputs on how to further enhance our efforts to make India a global entertainment hub.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the expanding impact of India’s television shows and broader entertainment industry, emphasizing their contribution to both the nation’s economic growth and its increasing cultural significance on the world stage. His initiative has received strong backing from leading Bollywood actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, who believe that WAVES has the potential to position India at the forefront of global content creation.
The WAVES Summit was first introduced by PM Modi in December 2024 as a key initiative aimed at establishing India as a major player in the international entertainment landscape.
During his address on his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio show, PM Modi urged young creators in the entertainment sector to participate in the event. He underscored the summit’s importance in reflecting India’s growing global presence in the creative industry.
“In the years ahead, as India works towards becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy, the creator economy is bringing new energy and momentum. I encourage all of India’s entertainment professionals — whether young or established, from Bollywood or regional cinema, TV industry professionals, or those in animation, gaming, or entertainment technology — to join the WAVES Summit,” said PM Modi.
WAVES is more than just a summit. A major highlight of the event is the inaugural International Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC), which was launched on September 8, 2024. This competition provides a global platform for creators specializing in animation, VFX, AR-VR, and virtual production. It is considered a groundbreaking effort to showcase India’s growing capabilities in the creative sector.