Control of the Indian Ocean was essential for the British war effort, because the British economy relied heavily on trade with the holdings of the Honourable East India Company in India and with other ports in the east, particularly in China.
Kendali atas Samudera Hindia penting bagi usaha perang Inggris, karena ekonomi Inggris sangat bergantung pada perdagangan atas saham Perusahaan Hindia Timur Britania dan dengan pelabuhan lain di timur, terutama di Cina.