Which European ruler had observed 'Bear in mind that the commerce of India is the commerce of the world .... he who can exclusively command it is the dictator of Europe?

The observation that the 'commerce of India is the commerce of the world' and that its exclusive commander would be the 'dictator of Europe' is attributed to Peter the Great of Russia [1]. This statement reflects the 18th-century European understanding of India's immense economic strategic value. During this era, India was a global hub for high-value exports like textiles, spices, and sugar. Peter the Great, known for his modernization of Russia and expansionist vision, recognized that controlling Indian trade routes was essential for achieving European hegemony. This sentiment was echoed by other powers, as seen in the later British defensive measures against the imperialistic designs of France and Russia in the Indian subcontinent [1]. The quote underscores the geopolitical rivalry where India's wealth was viewed as the ultimate prize for any European power seeking to dominate the continent.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > Trade and Commerce > p. 215