East Indies a European perspective), archaically called Hither India and Further India. The first is the former British India, the second is Southeast Asia. Regions of the East Indies are sometimes known by the colonial empire they once belonged to, hence, "British East Indies" refers to Malaysia, "Dutch East Indies" means Indonesia, and "Spanish East Indies" means the Philippines. Historically, the king of Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia) was identified with "Prester John of the Indies", since that part of the world was imagined to be one of "Three Indias". Exploration of these regions by European powers first began in the late 15th century
East Indies Station its established Rear-Admiral Palliser becomes COS to C-in-C, Eastern Fleet. Originally established by the Royal Navy as East Coast of Africa Station (1862–1919) was administered by the Flag Officer, East Africa and a sub-command of the East Indies Station then later Eastern Fleet from 1862 to 1962. Within the Eastern Fleet command from April 1942 to September 1943 then transferred back under East Indies Station The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) was the naval force of British India and the Dominion of India from 1 May 1830 – 26 January 1950. It came under the East Indies Station at the outbreak