At the current stage, there are only three great powers in the Indian Ocean region: the United Kingdom, East Africa, and the half-alive Ottoman Empire. Although the United Kingdom holds a dominant position in the Indian Ocean, the UK is nevertheless quite distant from the Indian Ocean.
Moreover, the British-controlled Suez Canal or Cape of Good Hope, key points of communication in the Indian Ocean, are not very secure and are susceptible to various threats.
If Tsarist Russia were to expand its territory to the Indian Ocean coast, it would be a completely different story. Unlike the UK, Tsarist Russia could potentially localize the newly occupied areas, posing a significant threat to East Africa if it becomes an Indian Ocean power.
East Africa also prefers that no competitive nation emerges around the Indian Ocean. Though the UK has a considerable influence in the Indian Ocean, it consists of colonies and semi-colonies, which can be dismantled through various means.
