Indian Ocean trade Madagascar at this time leaving behind a lasting cultural and genetic legacy. Chinese fleets under Zheng He criscrossed the Indian Ocean during the early part of the 15th century. The missions were diplomatic rather than commercial, but many exchanges of gift and produces were made. The Portuguese under Vasco da Gama discovered a naval route to the Indian Ocean through the southern tip of Africa in 1497–98. Initially, the Portuguese were mainly active in Calicut, but the northern region of Gujarat was even more important for trade, and an essential intermediary in east-west trade. Venetian interests were directly threatened as
Secret Convention on the Transfer of the Portuguese monarchy to Brazil the Portuguese borders through Spanish territory. Later, the Portuguese aspirations became reality with the support of the British navy during the transfer of the Portuguese court to Brazil, and Portugal complied to the British requirements by opening the Brazilian ports to their goods. Secret Convention on the Transfer of the Portuguese monarchy to Brazil The Secret Convention on the Transfer of the Portuguese monarchy to Brazil was an international treaty between Portugal and Britain on October 22, 1807, also called "secret Convention on the transfer to Brazil of the seat of the Portuguese monarchy and temporary occupation of Madeira Island