Who were the first Europeans to start trade with India?

Portuguese were the first Europeans to start trade with India.

After the fall of Ottoman Empire and capture of Constantinople in 1453 it became difficult for Europeans to trade with India via land route. So they searched for new sea route and in 1498, Vasco da Gama of Portugal discovered new sea route via Cape of Good Hope to India. Later in India Portugal established its trading settlements at Goa, Cochin and Diu & Daman. After Portuguese, Dutch entered India followed by English and French.

In 1600 British East India Company was formed and established their factory in 1608 at Surat.