GOA: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) hosted an Ambassadors’ Roundtable today at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage Hotel, Dona Paula, bringing together diplomats from across the world to explore new pathways for advancing bilateral audio-visual cooperation.
The session focused on unlocking co-production opportunities, strengthening cultural ties, and enabling deeper collaboration in filmmaking technology and talent exchange.
Designed as a strategic dialogue platform between India and partner countries, the roundtable highlighted the importance of regulatory harmonisation and integrated creative ecosystems to boost the global media and entertainment economy. Discussions centred on leveraging co-production treaties, smoother permissions for international film units, cross-border mobility of talent, and shared incentives to drive mutual growth.
Welcoming the delegates, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, showcased India’s rapidly expanding media sector and its global appeal as a robust production hub.
“India has emerged as a studio of the world—where global stories can be imagined, produced, and shared,” he said, calling for reinforced partnerships that deepen cultural linkages.
Jaju highlighted the nation’s rich multilingual talent pool, diverse filming locations, and cutting-edge expertise in VFX and animation, inviting the diplomats to explore the vast range of opportunities available through the WAVES Film Bazaar, IFFI’s flagship industry platform. He emphasized that partnerships with India also open up access to a vast global diaspora, enabling wider circulation of cinematic content.
Chairing the proceedings, Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, underscored co-production as
“the most powerful avenue for strengthening audio-visual cooperation.”
He noted that India’s media and entertainment sector is poised to reach USD 31.6 billion by 2025, driven by exponential growth in next-generation production technologies. Dr. Murugan said bilateral agreements simplify processes for filmmakers and ensure smoother collaborations across borders. He also highlighted India’s enhanced anti-piracy framework developed collaboratively with MeitY, MHA, and the Ministry of Law, safeguarding global creative assets.
Following the remarks, Shruti Rajkumar, Consultant at NFDC, presented India’s strengthened technical and policy initiatives to combat content piracy—an important step toward creating a secure environment for international productions.
Ambassadors from Cuba and Nepal, and senior diplomats representing Israel, Guyana, Australia, Ireland, Morocco, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, shared insights on cinematic collaborations and applauded India’s openness to innovation-driven partnerships.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Rajesh Parihar, Director (XPD), Ministry of External Affairs, who reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering a shared global vision for the future of storytelling.
The Ambassadors’ Roundtable at IFFI 2025 stands as a meaningful milestone in deepening cultural diplomacy, creating dynamic media partnerships, and advancing a vibrant, interconnected creative economy.
