Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised India’s immense potential in hosting live concerts, citing the record-breaking success of British band Coldplay’s recent performances in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Speaking at the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, he called on state governments and the private sector to enhance infrastructure and skills to capitalize on the growing “concert economy.”

“In the past few days, you must have seen the amazing pictures of Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This is proof of how much scope India has for live concerts,” said PM Modi. He noted that international artists are increasingly drawn to India, recognizing its vast audience base and economic promise.

Highlighting the broader economic impact of such events, the Prime Minister added, “Concerts not only boost tourism but also create large-scale employment opportunities. I urge states and the private sector to focus on developing the necessary infrastructure for the concert economy. Whether it’s event management, artist grooming, security, or other arrangements, new possibilities are emerging across all these areas.”

Coldplay’s five shows during their Music of the Spheres World TourMusic of the Spheres World Tour drew massive crowds, including a record-breaking 1,34,000 attendees at their final performance in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The band announced on X (formerly Twitter) that this was the largest ticketed concert in India, surpassing the previous record by over 60,000. The performances, fronted by lead singer Chris Martin, began with three shows in Mumbai, followed by two consecutive events at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

 

PM Modi also highlighted India’s upcoming role as host of the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES). The summit, scheduled for next month, is expected to showcase India’s creative prowess on a global stage while fostering economic growth.

 

“The WAVES summit will be a major event, showcasing India’s creative power to the world. Revenue generated through such events will not only boost the economy but also enhance India’s global perception in the creative and entertainment sectors,” he said.

With Coldplay’s success and the forthcoming WAVES summit, India is positioning itself as a growing hub for live entertainment and cultural exchange, the Prime Minister asserted.