Which ocean was navigated and mapped by Europeanswhile looking for new trade routes to the spic islands?

The Indian ocean was navigated and mapped by Europeans searching for new trade routes to the Spice Islands, also known as the Moluccas. During the Age of Exploration, European powers like Portugal and Spain focused on establishing direct maritime trade routes to access the lucrative spice trade. Explorers such as Vasco da Gama played crucial roles in charting these waters and connecting Europe with Asian markets.