At the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) held in February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s emergence as a global leader in the “orange economy,” a term he coined to describe the nation’s burgeoning creative sector encompassing content, culture, and innovation. Drawing parallels between the international acclaim of Indian cuisine and the growing global presence of Indian entertainment, Modi highlighted the widespread distribution of Indian films in over 100 countries. He noted that audiences worldwide are not merely passive viewers but are engaging deeply with Indian content, often through subtitles, reflecting a genuine interest in understanding India’s narratives.

Modi underscored the significance of this cultural expansion, stating that the global demand for innovative storytelling aligns perfectly with India’s potential to contribute creatively to the world. He called for a balance between technological advancement and human sensitivity, emphasizing that while technology should enhance human experiences, it should not diminish emotional depth. His remarks resonated with ongoing discussions about the impact of digital content on youth, with the Supreme Court urging the government to address concerns over controversial online material.

The WAVES summit, envisioned as India’s answer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, aims to position the country as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation. Modi invited creators from various sectors—film, television, animation, gaming, and entertainment technology—to participate, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in this transformative journey. He expressed confidence that, just as Indian cuisine has achieved global popularity, Indian music (“gaana”) will follow suit, further solidifying India’s cultural influence on the world stage. ([PM Modi calls on India’s creative industry to join WAVES summit, honors cinema legends]

In addition to celebrating India’s cinematic achievements, Modi paid tribute to legendary figures such as Raj Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi, acknowledging their contributions to Indian cinema’s global recognition. He also lauded contemporary initiatives like the children’s animation series “KTB Bharat Hai Hum,” which celebrates India’s freedom struggle and is available in multiple languages across various platforms. ([PM Modi Hails Indian Cinema; Unveils WAVES Summit

Through initiatives like WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace connecting Indian creators with international markets, and challenges such as “Wah Ustad” and “Resonate: The EDM Challenge,” the summit seeks to foster innovation and showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. These efforts aim to bridge tradition with modernity, positioning India at the forefront of the global creative economy. ([India unveils WAVES initiative to position itself as global capital of creative economy – The Statesman
As India continues to harness its creative potential, the WAVES summit stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to becoming a global leader in content creation, reflecting the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in shaping its cultural future.