WAVES 2025: India’s Creative Industry Finds Its Global Moment

There are defining moments when a nation steps confidently onto the global stage — and WAVES Summit 2025 was one such watershed for India’s AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) sector. More than just an industry event, WAVES was a powerful declaration that India is ready to lead the global creative economy. With participation from 77 countries and a confluence of thought leaders in content, technology, and storytelling, WAVES laid a bold foundation for the future.

What set WAVES apart was the sheer ambition behind it. With the Central Government’s strong backing and vision, it is now clear that India is poised to become a global hub for content creation, innovation, and cultural exchange. The scale of participation and the depth of discussion were not only inspiring but also a testament to how the world now perceives India — not just as a provider of talent, but as a source of ideas, IPs, and imagination.

I had the privilege of attending the summit with Anish Narayanakutty, our Director – Digital Media Networks & Content Distribution. Together, we represented Toonz at multiple forums, participated in high-level strategic discussions, and explored exciting new partnerships that will further our global journey. Personally, I was honored to speak on behalf of the animation sector, advocating for global co-productions, stronger IP ownership, and empowering Indian creators to take their stories to the world.

A highlight of the summit was the panel “Building Global Narratives through Animation,” where I joined leading voices like Rajeev Chilaka (Green Gold Animation), Tilak Shetty, Sharad Deverajan (Liquid Comics), and Briana Yarhouse (Interlochen Center for the Arts). Moderated by the talented Dhvani Desai, the panel brought forth meaningful discussions on how cross-cultural storytelling and animation can act as a universal language that transcends borders. At a time when the world is increasingly looking for diverse narratives, this was a clear signal that Indian creators are more than ready to lead.

The Kerala Pavilion, beautifully curated by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and C-DIT, and coordinated by SAIK, gave our home state a proud and prominent place at the summit. Toonz had a key presence here, and it was heartening to witness the level of global interest our booth attracted. The conversations sparked during these days have already set the wheels in motion for impactful future collaborations.

But above all, what WAVES reaffirms is this: India’s greatest strength lies in its people. In its animators, designers, writers, editors, and all the artists who give life to stories through sheer passion and resilience. For too long, our talent has been the invisible force powering global content. Now, it is time to step into the spotlight. The world is finally ready to hear our stories — told our way.

To every artist, storyteller, and dreamer reading this: the moment we’ve been waiting for is here. Let us continue to refine our craft, elevate our standards, and unite in spirit and purpose. Because what we create today will shape the way the world sees us tomorrow.

At Toonz, we’ve always believed in leading with heart and vision. Being part of WAVES 2025 wasn’t just an honor — it was a responsibility. A responsibility to carry the hopes of a generation of creators and contribute meaningfully to a new global narrative — one that has India at its creative core.

Here’s to aiming higher, dreaming bolder, and telling stories that echo across continents. The wave has begun — let’s ride it together.