



Orange is the new black: Why India is betting big on the ‘orange economy’
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The economic survey and the budget underscored the importance of India’s “orange economy", explicitly acknowledging its potential as an engine of growth. Budget 2026 proposed an outlay of ₹250 crore for talent development in the animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC), which can be classified as “orange economy" sectors.
According to the economic survey, “orange economy" activities are driven by creativity, culture, and intellectual property. Value addition comes from the overall consumption experience rather than the actual good or service purchased. Based on this definition, media and entertainment and experiential tourism can be listed as key orange economy sectors.
Within media and entertainment, the fast-growing gaming and live entertainment segments have huge spillovers for tourism, transport and hospitality sectors: these are likely to be job creators of the future. Live entertainment is a numbers game: larger the audience, bigger the economic impact. India can easily supply the vast crowds that top performers seek, for two reasons: it has the world’s largest millennial and Gen Z cohort; and many are willing to spend large amounts to see their favourite live shows.
For example, over 400,000 fans travelled from all over the country to attend Coldplay’s 2025 concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The economic impact was estimated at ₹641 crore via ticket sales, travel, hotel bookings, dining, shopping and logistics support jobs in Ahmedabad, according to EY. More importantly, the concert effectively re-branded Ahmedabad: post-Coldplay, it is viewed as a major concert city.
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