Question

How was the opening of the Suez Canal important to India?

Answer 1

Hint: The Suez Canal is a man-made sea-level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez. It is often considered that the border between Africa and Asia is somewhat opened through this act.

Complete Answer:
India has had good trade relations with the European countries for a long period of time. The transportation through sea-route between the two regions was quite complex as the continent of Africa had to be crossed to reach India from Europe and vice versa. Thus, trading between the regions took a long time. In 1869, the Suez Canal was opened which reduced the distance between Britain and India considerably by almost some 4,500 miles. This helped the ships to go directly to Europe without the need to travel round the entire southern Africa. The Suez Canal alongside the reliable service of steam-powered liners led to a rise in merchant and passenger shipping. This resulted in the maritime companies to employ Indian lascar sailors in far greater numbers.
The distance between India and Europe has been reduced by 7000 kms through the development of the Suez Canal . India enjoys a favourable situation on international trade and commerce. India is now connected with Europe, North America and South America through both the routes of Cape of fantastic Hope and Suez Canal.

Note: The opening of the Suez Canal in November, 1869, had a positive influence on the speed of growth within the value of India’s foreign trade. The canal shortened Europe to Asia shipping distances, reduced transmit time for mail, lowered transport and transfer cost and facilitated India in many other ways.