Panaji witnessed a significant announcement on Friday as Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan declared India's ambitious plan to become a global production hub through enhanced international co-productions.
India's Co-Production Vision Takes Center Stage
Speaking at a round table conference with ambassadors during the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Dr Murugan emphasized that co-production represents one of the most powerful avenues for deepening audio-visual cooperation between nations. The minister outlined how India's evolving policy environment creates an ideal foundation for such international partnerships.
"India's policy environment — improved digital infrastructure, regulatory enhancements, and dedicated facilitation mechanisms like the India Cine Hub — provides a strong foundation for international collaborations," Murugan stated during the November 21 event.
Media Sector Poised for Exponential Growth
The minister revealed impressive projections for India's media and entertainment industry, highlighting that the sector is expected to reach USD 31.6 billion by 2025. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by rapid expansion in several key areas:
- Digital media platforms
- OTT streaming services
- Live events and advertising
- Emerging segments including gaming
- AVGC fields (Animation, VFX, Virtual Production, and Extended Reality)
Murugan explained that India's bilateral agreements are specifically designed to encourage joint development projects, simplify permission processes, and facilitate smoother movement of talent and resources across borders.
Positioning India as Global Creative Hub
"With our vast talent pool, multilingual creative base and technological capabilities, India is increasingly being seen as a 'studio for the world', a destination where global stories can be imagined, produced and shared," the minister proclaimed.
He emphasized that partnering with India offers international collaborators access to one of the world's largest and most diverse audiences, along with a global diaspora that actively consumes content from various cultures. This unique combination presents enormous potential for foreign production houses seeking to expand their reach.
The government is equally committed to supporting technological and skills-oriented collaboration through various initiatives:
- Joint training programs and talent exchanges
- Scholarships for creative professionals
- Access to India's world-class studio facilities
- Co-development opportunities in digital content
Strengthening the Business Environment
Recognizing the importance of ease of doing business, Murugan detailed the ministry's significant steps to streamline permits, enhance transparency, and establish predictable processes for international projects. The government has established an anti-piracy task force comprising representatives from multiple ministries, law enforcement agencies, digital platforms, and industry bodies to safeguard creative rights and protect creators across international boundaries.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates India's serious commitment to becoming a preferred destination for global audio-visual collaborations, positioning the country at the forefront of the international media and entertainment landscape.
