At the opening of WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stressed the importance of balancing rapid technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence, with the preservation of cultural traditions. Addressing a global audience, he urged for responsible innovation, inclusive global policies, and empowering India’s creative potential to build a future-ready workforce and society.
Speaking at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that technology and tradition must go hand in hand. He noted that while the world is undergoing dramatic change, such transformation must carry a cultural context, respecting the diversity and pluralism that defines humanity. He pointed out that this diversity had long been suppressed by colonial and dominant global powers.
He stressed that to truly democratize the global system, it is vital to give space and expression to local traditions, creativity, and heritage—and the most effective way to do so is by embracing technology. This, he said, was central to India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
India’s Vision for a Future-Ready Creative Workforce
Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted that innovation must be accompanied by shifts in mindset, policy, and practice to shape a dynamic global workforce. With the world becoming increasingly mobile, talent and tasking will not remain fixed, and smoother mobility, he added, can fuel stronger creativity.
In a world overloaded with information, he warned that grabbing attention is now more challenging than ever. Preparing young talent for this competitive landscape is crucial, particularly by ensuring widespread skill development. He acknowledged that every major advancement—including AI—comes with its own set of challenges, and this technology will raise issues of authenticity and intellectual property.
WAVES 2025 Brings Together Global Creative Leaders
WAVES 2025, held from May 1 to 4, aims to propel India’s media and entertainment industry, which reached a revenue of ₹2.5 lakh crore in 2024. The summit brings together more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300 companies, 350 startups, and representatives from over 90 countries. It offers a platform for innovation and collaboration across film, television, gaming, and digital content.
Dr. S. Jaishankar closed his address by calling for responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies, especially in a world where information is abundant but attention is limited.
