New Delhi, May 2, 2025 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday delivered a keynote address at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, highlighting the critical role of culture, innovation, and technology in building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. Speaking on the second day of the summit, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of making the global system more inclusive by amplifying diverse traditions, heritages, ideas, and creativity, particularly through the effective use of technology.
“The process of transformation has a strong cultural dimension,” Jaishankar stated, underlining that the world is intrinsically diverse. He pointed out that the suppression of pluralism by colonialism and the dominance of major powers in the past had hindered the full potential of global diversity. He advocated for democratizing the international system, stating that this could be best achieved by harnessing technology in a more effective and inclusive manner.
“Innovation is key to the leapfrogging that will create Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he continued, stressing that technological advancements could accelerate India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation. Jaishankar also emphasized that these changes require a shift in mindsets, frameworks, policies, and practices to build a global workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
He further elaborated on the changing dynamics of talent mobility, noting that the workforce of the future would not remain stationary. “Smoother mobility will contribute to stronger creativity,” he explained, adding that the vast amount of information available today presents both opportunities and challenges, with the need to capture attention being more critical than ever. He called for a concerted effort to prepare young talent for this new era by promoting skills diffusion and preparing them for a world shaped by rapid technological change.
Jaishankar also addressed the ethical implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He acknowledged that while AI offers immense potential, it also raises concerns about authenticity, bias, and intellectual property. He stressed the responsible use of AI, advocating for the reduction of bias, the democratization of content, and the prioritization of ethical standards in the development and deployment of technology.
WAVES 2025, India’s first international summit dedicated to the audio-visual and entertainment sectors, has brought together over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups. The summit, which runs from May 1 to May 4, serves as a platform for discussions on the intersection of media, emerging technologies, and the global entertainment industry. Covering a broad spectrum, from film and OTT platforms to AVGC-XR, comics, AI, and broadcasting, WAVES 2025 aims to foster a dynamic cross-sectoral network and promote innovation within the entertainment industry.
As the summit continues, Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s growing commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring that its technological and cultural evolution aligns with the global demands of the 21st century.
