Some of the busiest ports in the Indian Ocean historically were located in areas that were strategically positioned along important trade routes, such as:
The Persian Gulf: Located at the northern end of the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf has historically been an important hub for maritime trade between the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. Ports such as Basra, Bandar Abbas, and Dubai have been major centers of trade and commerce for centuries.
The Red Sea: The Red Sea is a narrow body of water that connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean. Ports such as Aden, Jeddah, and Suakin have long been important stops along the trade routes between East Africa, Arabia, and Europe.
The Malabar Coast: The Malabar Coast, located along the southwestern coast of India, was a major center of trade between India and the rest of the Indian Ocean region. Ports such as Calicut, Cochin, and Mangalore were important centers of commerce and cultural exchange.
The Indonesian Archipelago: The Indonesian archipelago, with its thousands of islands and strategic position between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, was a hub of maritime trade and commerce for centuries. Ports such as Malacca, Java, and Bali were important centers of trade and cultural exchange between Southeast Asia, China, and the Indian Ocean region.
Overall, the busiest ports in the Indian Ocean were located in areas that were strategically positioned along important trade routes, with access to key resources and markets, and with supportive political and economic systems in place.