India’s Concert Economy Holds Immense Potential: PM Modi Highlights Opportunities at Odisha Conclave
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the vast opportunities in India’s burgeoning concert economy, emphasizing the need for enhanced infrastructure and skill development to position the country as a global hub for live events. Speaking at the ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave’ held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister underscored the growing demand for live concerts and events, which has surged over the past decade.
Citing the recent success of Coldplay’s concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, he noted the potential for India to emerge as a preferred destination for international and domestic artists. “India is a country blessed with a rich cultural heritage in music, dance, and storytelling. Coupled with a youthful population that has a keen interest in live performances, the possibilities in the concert economy are truly vast,” he said.
Reflecting on the evolving trends over the last ten years, the Prime Minister observed that the popularity of live events has witnessed significant growth. “In recent days, many of you must have seen the stunning visuals of Coldplay’s performances in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. These events stand as proof of the immense scope for concerts in India. Such occasions demonstrate the growing interest and potential for live entertainment in our country,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister stressed that India’s appeal is not limited to its domestic audience. “Big-name artists and performers from across the globe are increasingly drawn to India as a venue for their events. This highlights the scope for developing a vibrant concert economy,” he stated, urging state governments and private players to prioritize investments in building world-class venues and enhancing skill sets required for hosting and managing large-scale events.
PM Modi also revealed that India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the very first time next month. The summit aims to showcase the country’s creative prowess to the global audience and further cement India’s position in the entertainment industry. He pointed out that events like WAVES not only generate significant revenue but also help shape international perceptions about India, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Turning his attention to Odisha, the Prime Minister highlighted the state’s untapped potential in hosting large-scale cultural and entertainment events. “Odisha is a land rich in cultural traditions and natural beauty. It has tremendous scope to emerge as a hub for hosting concerts and festivals, attracting audiences and artists from far and wide,” he noted.
Beyond the concert economy, the Prime Minister also emphasized India’s growing capabilities in conference tourism. He mentioned premier venues such as Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi, which are fast becoming major hubs for hosting international conferences, summits, and exhibitions. “India has immense potential to excel in conference tourism, with world-class venues that can cater to the needs of global events,” he said.
PM Modi’s remarks came as part of a broader vision to position India as a global leader in cultural, entertainment, and conference tourism, leveraging the country’s rich heritage, dynamic youth population, and expanding infrastructure.
By fostering investments and collaborations between the public and private sectors, the Prime Minister believes India can unlock the true potential of its concert and live event economy, creating jobs, generating revenue, and strengthening its cultural and creative industries.
