India's historical trade relations with Europe and the eventual shift in maritime routes and trading dynamics can be analysed through various stages:

Ancient and Medieval Trade Foundations

1.Historical Background: India's trade with Europe dates back to ancient times, with significant interactions during the era of Greek civilization.

2.Medieval Trade Networks: During the Middle Ages, vibrant trade existed between Europe, India, and Southeast Asia, facilitated by multiple land and sea routes.

Roles of Arab and Italian Merchants

1.Asian Segment: In Asia, Arab merchants and sailors were predominantly responsible for the trade, acting as intermediaries between the East and the West.

2.European Control: In the Mediterranean and Europe, Italian city-states like Venice and Genoa had a near-monopoly over the trade routes, controlling the flow of Asian goods into Europe.