Mumbai Hosts International BRICS Creative Economy Forum with 500 Delegates
On Thursday, Mumbai became the focal point of the global creative industry as it welcomed the BRICS Waves Market 2026. The two‑day gathering, organized under India’s BRICS presidency, attracted more than 500 representatives from the bloc’s 21 member and partner nations.
The forum’s agenda spanned film, television, animation, visual effects, gaming, music and digital media, aiming to spark investment and business opportunities across these sectors.
Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra’s minister responsible for electronics, information technology, artificial intelligence and culture, described the market as a potential catalyst for reshaping the worldwide creative economy. He emphasized India’s capacity to lead, backed by its cultural depth and cutting‑edge tech ecosystem.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar highlighted the Prime Minister’s belief that cultural exchange is a vital conduit for diplomatic dialogue. He pointed out that the upcoming BRICS Film Festival in November will further expand prospects for joint productions and cross‑border financing.
The event also served to reinforce India’s ongoing programmes – Waves, India Cine Hub, the Indian Institute of Creative Technology and related skill‑development initiatives – that aim to weave Indian creative talent into a global network.
Film festival director Ashutosh Govarikar used the platform to invite attendees to IFFI 2026, stressing how cinema can bridge diverse cultures. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Joint Secretary Rajiv Bodwade linked the market to the BRICS theme of resilience, innovation, collaboration and sustainability, noting its contribution to about 3.1 % of global GDP and more than $1.4 trillion in service exports.
The National Film Development Corporation’s Prakash Magdum announced a series of conferences, panel discussions, B2B meetings and networking sessions that will examine co‑creation, content financing, digital shift, IP rights, women‑led enterprises and emerging tech trends.