Hugo Swire, minister of state for the Commonwealth, was making a speech at Chatham House in London yesterday when he made a reference to views coming out of India that should sway voters against Brexit.
"Prime Minister Modi during his visit to the UK last November said 'As far as India is concerned, if there is an entry point for us to the European Union that is the UK'," Swire said quoting Modi.
Swire, who is in charge of India as part of his wider Commonwealth portfolio, also reiterated his stand that he does not see Brexit having a boost on India-UK ties.
"There is the creeping narrative promoted by the Brexiteers that somehow the Commonwealth can replace the EU as the UK's major trading partner. That is a leap of faith with no basis in fact. Access to the single market is a cornerstone of the UK's prosperity.
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On immigration, he added: "Some argue that leaving the EU would allow greater migration from the Commonwealth. Frankly, I believe it is naive to think that the same people campaigning for Brexit would welcome this.
"And what possible basis do they have for making such an assertion? Because - let's remember - it is up to the UK, not the EU, to decide who is allowed to come to this country from outside the EU. Our membership of the EU does not prevent Commonwealth citizens from coming to the UK," he said.
He accused Brexit supporters of trying to turn back the clock to the days of "Imperial preference".
"We should remind ourselves why the Commonwealth benefits from our close relationship with the EU. Our seat at the EU table gives the Commonwealth a voice - and it is a voice which brings results. UK membership of the EU is creating jobs and driving growth, in Britain and across the Commonwealth. That's why our Commonwealth allies want us to stay in the EU," he said.