The correct answer is 1612. In 1612 the East India Company's ships defeated the Portuguese in the Swally estuary off Surat. The naval Battle of Swally, also known as Battle of Suvali, took place on 29‚¬€œ30 November 1612 off the coast of Suvali a village near the Surat city and was a victory for four English East India Company galleons over four Portuguese galleons. This relatively small naval battle is historically important as it marked the beginning of the ascent of the English East India Company's presence in India. This battle also convinced the English East India Company to establish a small navy to safeguard their commercial interests from other European powers and also from pirates. The background to this battle also points to the main reason for the Dutch Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie being organized in 1602.