Vasco da Gama played a critical role in the Age of Exploration, particularly as the first European to reach India by sea, linking Europe and Asia via the ocean route. His voyage, which began in 1497, ultimately opened the sea trade route to India and the broader Indian Ocean, paving the way for Portuguese dominance in the spice trade. Da Gama's expeditions established a Portuguese colonial presence in India and fostered trade relations that were crucial for European economies. His achievements marked a significant moment in navigation history, contributing to the expansion of European exploration and commercial interests in Asia during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.