Question

India traded throughout the Indian Ocean Basin, but once _________ began to control the area, both Asian and Arab merchants were forced to pay protection money so their cargo would not be seized

Answer 1

India traded throughout the Indian ocean basin but once Portugal began to control the area, both Asian and Arab merchants were forced to pay protection money so their cargo would not be seized. Therefore, your answer would be Portugal Hopefully this helps!

Answer 2

India traded throughout the Indian Ocean Basin, but once Britain began to control the area, both Asian and Arab merchants were forced to pay protection
money so their cargo would not be seized.