India’s ambitious push to transform its AVGC-XR sector into a global creative powerhouse

India’s ambitious push to transform its Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector into a global creative powerhouse. Here are the key takeaways from the latest developments:

India’s Creative Economy at an Inflection Point
- Projected to cross USD 100 billion by 2030, driven by digital innovation and creative-tech growth.
- The sector is growing at a 7% compound annual rate, expected to reach ₹3,067 billion by 2027.
- India offers a 40–60% cost advantage in animation and VFX services, attracting global projects.

Institutional Framework
- AVGC Promotion Task Force (2022): Recommended a National AVGC-XR Mission with a “Create in India” focus.
- Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT): Established in 2025 as a Section 8 company, partnering with Netflix, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and others.
- National Center of Excellence (NCoE): Approved in 2024, serving as the apex body for training, research, and industry collaboration.

Policy Momentum
- Karnataka: Implemented a dedicated AVGC-XR Policy 2024–2029.
- Maharashtra: Approved AVGC-XR Policy 2025, backed by ₹3,268 crore and a roadmap extending to 2050.
- Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023: Introduced strong anti-piracy provisions and modernized film certification.
- National Broadcasting Policy: Being developed to integrate traditional broadcasting with digital platforms.

Global Impact
- Indian studios contributed to Avatar, Thor: The Dark World, Game of Thrones, and RRR, showcasing world-class VFX capabilities.
- Nearly 25% of Indian OTT viewership comes from overseas audiences, strengthening India’s role in cultural diplomacy.

Innovation & Enterprise
- Rise of homegrown gaming titles like BGMI, FAU-G, Raji: An Ancient Epic, and Indus Battle Royale.
- Indian comics (Suppandi, Chacha Chaudhary, Tenali Raman) are being adapted into animated series and films.
- Startups in XR and immersive storytelling are attracting global investor interest.

The Road Ahead
- Focus on IP-led animation projects, gaming & eSports ecosystems, and XR applications across education, tourism, defence, and healthcare.
- Integration of AVGC-XR courses into mainstream education and creation of a national talent registry.
- Strengthening intellectual property frameworks to support “Create in India” and “Brand India” initiatives.

India’s AVGC-XR revolution is not just about entertainment—it’s about positioning the country as a global hub for creative technology, storytelling, and innovation.