'India well poised to become global hub for production, export of professional audio, lighting, AV solutions'

The Hindu

31-05-2025

India's fast growing urbanising population—expected to exceed 600 million by 2030—is reshaping demand for smart, immersive, and integrated audio visual (AV) solutions across sectors.
As digital-first consumption deepens and user expectations evolve, the Coldplay convert organised in Ahmedabad in January at Narendra Modi Stadium and the recently held World Audio Visuals Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister has highlighted the importance of the gig economy powered by events and entertainment professionals.
The entertainment and OTT boom, growth in premium real estate, and a rapidly evolving event and hospitality industry has created a base for the adoption of advanced audio, video, and lighting technologies in the country said industry executives and experts.
Moreover, the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) into AV workflows—powering automation, personalised content, and predictive maintenance—is transforming how experiences are delivered, they added.
'From a global perspective, India's growth in the professional AV and entertainment technology space over the last few years has been remarkable, often surpassing the momentum seen in more mature markets,' Jaime Albros, Senior VP, Global Sales, Harman International said while speaking at the industry event PALM AV-ICN Expo, organised by Informa Markets in India in Mumbai.
His colleague Amar Subhash, Vice President & General Manager, Harman Professional Solutions, India & APAC, added 'India remains one of the fastest-growing and most strategic markets for Harman Professional.'
'Today, AV forms the backbone of key sectors—including hospitality, retail, education, transportation, and smart infrastructure—driving seamless communication, engagement, and operational efficiency,' he said.
'With strong government investments in digital infrastructure and AV-led transformation, the country is well-positioned as a global leader in this space,' he said.
According to industry offices the Indian Pro AV market is projected to reach $17.3 billion by 2031 from $6.5 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12%.
The LED segment estimated at $5 billion in 2024 is projected to reach $26.7 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 19.35%, further highlights the rising demand across interconnected sectors, they added.
Anil Chopra - Founding Director, PALM Expo, said 'There is immense growth potential of India's professional entertainment technology industry. We are at a transformative juncture where the integration of IT, AI, and broadband is revolutionizing product development across these domains.'
He said India was strategically positioned to lead this evolution, not just through innovation but through large-scale manufacturing — a key focus of the government's industrial agenda.
'Recent reforms in the MSME sector, particularly the redefinition of size thresholds, have enabled numerous AV rental companies to access institutional funding under the CGTMSC scheme. This has significantly boosted investment in advanced equipment and infrastructure,' he said.
'While we remain reliant on imported components for now and exports are still at a nascent stage, the strength and scale of India's domestic demand are driving rapid expansion. India is well on its way to becoming a global hub for the manufacturing and export of professional audio, lighting, and AV solutions,' he emphasised.
Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, the organisers of the show said 'India's professional audio, AV, and lighting industries are going through a transformative phase, driven by a growing demand for immersive experiences and the country's commitment to smart and sustainable infrastructure.'
'Strategic programs like the Smart Cities Mission, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and various urban renewal initiatives are propelling the adoption of advanced lighting and integration technologies across sectors,' he said.
'As India moves towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, the rising urban population and expanding entertainment, hospitality, and live event ecosystems present immense opportunities for growth,' he added.
Harshal Kothari, VP West, Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) India said 'With AV becoming an essential part of sectors like education, hospitality, retail, and infrastructure, the need for skilled professionals and unified industry representation is more important than ever.'
With increasing demand from Gen Z and millennials aged 25–35, the demand for immersive AV experiences—from LED walls and curved screens to high-end sound systems —has grown exponentially, even for private events.