In a significant address during the World Audio, Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made a compelling case for global cooperation in regulating artificial intelligence (AI), especially its ethical use, and for supporting local storytelling through policy and infrastructure.

The summit, which hosted leaders including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State for I&B L Murugan, brought together policymakers, global media professionals, and creative voices to discuss the future of storytelling, digital media, and technological convergence.

Focus on AI: Call for Joint Global Action

Ashwini Vaishnaw firmly stated that governments across the globe must act together to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI. According to him, AI is no longer a niche technology but a central force shaping modern content creation, distribution, and consumption. With the rising use of AI in editing, dubbing, character generation, and even scriptwriting, the call for "clear ethical rules" and "shared global standards" is not only timely but necessary.

"We need joint funds for new technologies, shared global standards, and transparent ethical rules to guide AI’s evolution," said Vaishnaw.

He stressed that without international cooperation, AI could become a fragmented, potentially harmful tool instead of a force for inclusive innovation.

Promotion of Local Content and Cultural Storytelling

The Minister also focused heavily on the importance of supporting local content creation. As regional and vernacular stories gain traction worldwide, India is in a unique position to lead this cultural wave.

"The focus is shifting towards local stories, and it is our duty as a government to provide a fair chance for everyone to showcase their culture and creativity to the world," he remarked.

To achieve this, Vaishnaw called for a range of supportive measures including co-production treaties, streamlined licensing, talent exchange programmes, and incentives for original content. These steps will make it easier for creators from different countries to collaborate and share stories that reflect their cultures and values.

Government–Industry–Creator Collaboration: The New Backbone

One of the strongest points made during the dialogue was that tie-ups between the government, the industry, and creators have now become indispensable. These collaborations are essential for dealing with the challenges of content regulation, funding, and the integration of new technologies.

"Governments must become facilitators—not gatekeepers—for cultural innovation and storytelling," Vaishnaw stated.

He added that while governments must enforce regulations such as intellectual property protection and copyright frameworks, they should also focus on creating policy ecosystems that nurture storytelling, respect creative freedom, and encourage responsible innovation.

The Role of IP Framework in a Digital World

Vaishnaw also emphasized the need to strengthen the intellectual property (IP) framework, particularly as digital content explodes across platforms like OTT, YouTube, podcasts, and emerging VR/AR-based experiences.

“IP enforcement is crucial if we are to give creators the confidence to tell their stories and protect their work,” he said.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is reportedly working on policy frameworks that simplify copyright claims, ensure faster dispute resolution, and increase legal awareness among grassroots creators.

Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Exchange

In line with India’s larger foreign policy agenda, Vaishnaw said media and entertainment can be powerful tools of cultural diplomacy. India, with its diverse languages and traditions, can use storytelling to forge stronger connections across borders.

“The future of diplomacy is not just government-to-government, but people-to-people and culture-to-culture,” the minister stated.

He noted that storytelling—especially in film, television, and digital media—is key to building long-term international friendships and should be supported through bilateral media pacts and festival tie-ups.

WAVES: A Global Stage for Local Voices

The WAVES Summit itself has been envisioned as a global platform that encourages dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the media and entertainment sector. With discussions ranging from technology and AI to inclusivity and content authenticity, the event underlined India’s ambition to become a global content and creative technology hub.

Vaishnaw’s message resonated with many international delegates, who echoed the need for shared responsibility in handling AI tools, developing co-production agreements, and building training programmes for content professionals in emerging economies.

Final Thoughts

The speech by Ashwini Vaishnaw was not just a policy directive—it was a vision statement for the future of ethical media, inclusive technology, and cultural promotion. By advocating for joint global funds, clear AI governance, and local story amplification, he effectively laid the foundation for what could become a new global media order—one that is fair, diverse, innovative, and deeply human.

As India continues to expand its soft power through cinema, TV, OTT, and digital content, such forward-looking approaches will be critical in shaping a future where technology and tradition go hand in hand.

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