The Xth Commonwealth Study Conference instituted and supported by the Royal family of UK, was held from 16-29 March 2007 in India. The theme of the conference was 'Working together for inclusive growth & development'. The Conference, co-hosted by India, Singapore and Malaysia brought together young achievers and future decision makers in industry and government from different parts of the Commonwealth, and give them a rich and complete experience of regional history, rich cultural heritage and quest for integration with the global economy.

Inaugurating the Tenth Commonwealth Study Conference, Commerce and industry Minister Kamal Nath said that that there is a new-found confidence in India, particularly in corporate India and making of robust economy for sustained growth, touching double digits is not far away.

Mr. Nath said that like in most of the commonwealth countries, a large percentage of Indian population is dependent on agriculture and he hopes to see a framework which recognizes the difference between subsistence agriculture and agriculture.

In matters of international trade, he said that India has emerged, as a leading player in both exports and imports and the growing market for a variety of products and services has been a big draw for investors and producers from around the world. He also added that the study group will get a clear understanding of India's position with regard to WTO and multilateral trade, during their stay in India.

The result of growth close to nine percent is yet to reach a significant percentage of our population, Nath said. He mentioned that regional disparities in India are also a major concern and government is making special effort to address this issue.

The Duke of Kent, Guest of Honour at the Commonwealth Study Conference, said that there is no set solution and analysis and discussion during the study tours will help the Commonwealth countries to understand and address the issues of inclusive growth and development. He added that two issues that will be touched prominently by the study groups are poverty and development and the groups have unique opportunity to study these issues in depth.

Princess Anne of England, who is a royal patron of the CSC, lauded participants for their 'positive and insightful' contribution to deepening an understanding of contemporary India.

'There is no way to look at inclusive growth. Its important for both the government and the private sector to be involved in the exercise,' said Princess Anne.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, who delivered the valedictory address, acknowledged the need for inclusive development as India marched into the 21st century.

'Unless development is inclusive, it will lead to problems. Despite a large number of IT experts in the country, there is a huge digital divide in India,' she said at the 10th CSC.

'We have moved into the 21st century with more confidence than we have ever had,' Dixit said as she underlined the need for 'more balanced, secure and equitable future' for the country.

N.K. Singh, former member of the Planning Commission, called the CSC participants future leaders and underlined the need for blending growth with more employment in the country.

'Inclusive growth constitutes an area of policy change. The idea is how to use technological prowess to address endemic problems of the country,' he said.