AI Summit 2026: Why India is moving beyond ‘Make in India’ to ‘Create in India’

On the opening day of India’s AI Impact Summit 2026, Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), participated in a fireside chat with Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, and Railways, to discuss the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of the creative economy.

The event, 'Rewarding Our Creative Future in the Age of AI - Strengthening India Through Innovation, Trust and Talent,' was organised by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), and Creative First.

More from Lifestyle

During the conference, Mr. Vaishnaw announced that the central government will “very soon” roll out a "Create in India mission," aligned with its Semiconductor Mission.

What is the 'Create in India' mission all about?

The orange economy is seen as a high-impact, future-ready sector. Pexels

The “Create in India” mission is a forthcoming government initiative aimed at strengthening India’s creative and innovation economy much like its established Semiconductor Mission.

It is designed to be industry‑oriented, employment‑oriented and future‑focused, with goals that include building a strong talent pipeline, supporting skills development and job creation in emerging tech and creative sectors, and positioning India as a preferred global hub for creativity, content and innovation over the next 25 years.

The mission will leverage India’s digital infrastructure and workforce to boost the “orange economy” - the cultural and creative industries that generate economic value and jobs - and will include efforts such as setting up content creator labs in schools and expanding opportunities for upskilling in AI and related fields.

"We have world's best students in 350 universities in the semiconductors sector; similarly, we will have more students in AI," he noted.

Why is India focusing on this mission?

Create in India aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a technology-driven creative powerhouse. Pexels

Create in India could mean a push to high-growth, high-value sectors that have the potential to create more jobs, innovation, and revenue.

Massive youth and creative pool - India has one of the youngest populations globally, with a growing base of digital creators, designers, filmmakers, and tech innovators. The orange economy channels this talent into productive, globally competitive industries.

High economic potential - Cultural and creative sectors, including media, gaming, digital content, and performing arts, are rapidly expanding worldwide. By investing in this space, India can increase its GDP contribution and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Global competitiveness - With strong digital infrastructure and an English-speaking workforce, India is well-positioned to become a global hub for content creation, animation, gaming, and AI-driven creative solutions.

Digital transformation - AI, AR/VR, and other emerging technologies are transforming creative industries. Focusing on the orange economy allows India to harness technology for innovation while protecting intellectual property and ensuring ethical growth.

Soft power and cultural influence - Creative industries promote India’s cultural exports, enhancing its global image and influence through films, music, literature, and digital content.