Final answer:
Mughal rule in India strengthened Indian Ocean networks of commercial exchange through the Muslim presence and trade routes, leading to the spread of Islam and the emergence of powerful states influenced by Islamic culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mughal rule in India had a significant impact on Indian Ocean networks of commercial exchange. The Muslim presence in northwestern India, which was part of the Mughal Empire, played a crucial role in the trade routes of the Indian Ocean. Muslim raiders and traders from the Mughal Empire connected India with other regions like Persia, Arabia, East Africa, and even China. This led to the spread of Islam along the Indian Ocean trade routes and the emergence of powerful states influenced by Islamic culture.