The correct answer is option 4: Portugal. Portugal was the first foreign country to establish trade relations with India. In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Calicut, in present-day Kerala, and opened the sea route from Europe to India. This marked the beginning of the European Age of Discovery and the establishment of Portugal as a major trading power. The Portuguese established several trading posts and forts along the Indian coast, monopolizing the trade in spices, especially pepper and cinnamon. They held a dominant position in India until the arrival of other European powers such as the Dutch, English, and French in the following centuries.