 By 1799 British forces dominated the Indian Ocean , controlling the economically vital trade routes from China , the Dutch East Indies and British India to Europe . The French Navy had originally deployed only two frigates in the region , Prudente and Cybèle , operating from Port Louis on Île de France . This force was subsequently augmented in the summer of 1796 by a large squadron of frigates under Contre @-@ amiral Pierre César Charles de Sercey , which cruised in the East Indies during 1796 and 1797 , suffering setbacks at Action of 9 September 1796 and the Bali Strait Incident . During 1798 the squadron dispersed , as his crews became increasingly mutinous and the Colonial Assembly of Île de France grew openly disdainful of his efforts , refusing to provide reinforcements or supplies to his ships . 
