India bets big on creator economy with $1 billion investment

The announcement was made during a high-level session ahead of WAVES 2025, taking place in Mumbai from May 1-4, providing a key platform for global leaders in media, entertainment, and technology to collaborate

In a big push to boost India’s growing creative sector, the Centre has committed to investing $1 billion in the creator economy. The creator economy fund will be used to enhance the skills of Indian content creators, upgrade production capabilities, and help them expand into global markets. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the initiative is designed to drive creator economy growth and strengthen India’s position in the global content creation industry.

The announcement was made during a high-level session aimed at promoting the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, set to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4 this year. The event is expected to be a significant platform for media, entertainment, and technology leaders from around the world to collaborate and innovate. The government’s initiative aligns with WAVES 2025’s goal of exploring new business opportunities and fostering global partnerships.

The session was attended by several prominent figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan. Over 100 ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries also participated, reflecting the global importance of the summit. A key outcome of the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Maharashtra government. This MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in media, entertainment, and digital outreach.

WAVES 2025: India’s creative leap

Vaishnaw highlighted the increasing convergence between creativity, media, and technology, noting that WAVES 2025 will showcase India’s growing influence in these sectors. "We are inviting some of the biggest names in technology, media, and entertainment to join us at WAVES 2025," he said, emphasizing that the summit would provide a platform for content creation industry leaders to explore innovative collaborations.

Jaishankar echoed these sentiments, stressing that WAVES 2025 will provide a crucial space to address challenges and explore opportunities in the global media and entertainment industry. He also remarked on the broader cultural balancing taking place globally, stating, "We are not truly global if we are not truly local," urging ambassadors to encourage their governments to engage with the summit’s global collaboration opportunities.

Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted Mumbai’s unique position as India’s entertainment capital, combining cultural heritage with modern influences, making it an ideal host for WAVES 2025. Murugan concluded the session by discussing the potential for joint ventures and co-productions, noting that the summit would help bridge global media companies with India’s flourishing creative sector.

The government’s $1 billion fund will play a key role in nurturing the creator economy, driving growth and job creation in India’s content creation industry and positioning the country as a global leader in media and entertainment.