After 1498, the trade between European countries and India was initiated through whose efforts?

1. The Vasco da Gama profile concludes the explorers section. 2. Gama reached Calicut in 1498 after meeting an Indian navigator at Malindi. 3. The text states: 'The trading between European countries and India was initiated through his efforts.' _Source: Maharashtra Balbharati Std XII History, Ch 1 "Renaissance in Europe and Development of Science", §1.5 ¶3_