<P> The East India Company ( EIC ) , also known as the Honourable East India Company ( HEIC ) or the British East India Company and informally as John Company , was an English and later British joint - stock company , which was formed to pursue trade with the `` East Indies '' ( in present - day terms , Maritime Southeast Asia ) , but ended up trading mainly with Qing China and seizing control of the Indian subcontinent . </P>
<P> The East India Company ( EIC ) , also known as the Honourable East India Company ( HEIC ) or the British East India Company and informally as John Company , was an English and later British joint - stock company , which was formed to pursue trade with the `` East Indies '' ( in present - day terms , Maritime Southeast Asia ) , but ended up trading mainly with Qing China and seizing control of the Indian subcontinent . </P>
what was the first and main aim of the british east india company
what was the first and main aim of the british east india company
pursue trade with the `` East Indies ''
pursue trade with the `` East Indies ''