India's media and entertainment sector set to cross $100 billion by 2030

India’s media and entertainment sector is on course to cross the $100 billion mark by 2030, the government said on Saturday, November 15, underscoring the industry’s rapid expansion on the back of digital innovation, youth-led demand and a growing base of creative entrepreneurs.

The sector has been identified as a high-potential pillar of the services economy. According to the government’s assessment, the industry is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of about 7 per cent, reaching roughly Rs 3,067 billion by 2027. Officials said the long-term outlook reflects a clear shift in India’s global positioning — from primarily consuming content to becoming a major producer and exporter of intellectual property.

Over the last decade, the sector’s share in gross value added has steadily risen, supported by wider digital access, deeper broadband penetration and the rise of new content formats. Its contribution to employment generation has also increased, with the creative economy becoming an important source of skilled jobs.

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India’s media and entertainment sector: What is driving India’s expanding reach overseas?

Indian stories continue to build strong emotional and cultural links with global audiences. Nearly 25 per cent of total viewership for Indian OTT content now comes from overseas markets, reflecting the growing appeal of home-grown narratives, digital-first creators and regional-language productions.

The government said this global traction is strengthening India’s position as a creative exporter at a time when digital consumption patterns worldwide are evolving.

Cost advantage boosts India’s animation and VFX industry

India’s ability to deliver animation and VFX services at a 40 to 60 per cent cost advantage has helped attract a steady flow of international assignments. The country’s large and skilled workforce has established it as a preferred destination for post-production, visual effects and digital content work for global studios.

Officials said that as international demand rises, India’s competitive edge in cost, talent and turnaround time is shaping it into a key player in the global content pipeline.

How the AVGC–XR push is shaping the next phase of growth?

India's creative revival has been strengthened by the official recognition of the Animation. The government said that AVGC–XR represents the convergence of technology, storytelling and innovation, and is expected to be central to the next chapter of India’s media and entertainment expansion.

Policy efforts, skill development programmes and new training frameworks are being aligned to help the sector scale responsibly, with a focus on nurturing indigenous talent and enhancing India’s capacity to serve global markets.

Creative economy poised for strategic transformation

In its statement, the government said the broader aim is to transform India’s creative economy into a global powerhouse. This vision rests on expanding digital infrastructure, promoting innovation, supporting creative entrepreneurs and strengthening the regulatory ecosystem for emerging content formats.

Officials said that with demand rising both at home and overseas, the media and entertainment industry is entering a phase of strategic growth defined by technology, talent and creative excellence.