The trade routes to India were so hotly contested in the 15th century that some sought an alternative way and headed west across the Atlantic.

I'd imagine anywhere near the sea in 15th and 16th century India would be very heavily defended to protect the current administration's interests. Cannons on the cliffs would blast any would-be usurper's fleet into the briny. Harbours would have been heavily fortified. Spices were the height of luxury and envy among one's peers back then. It was a very lucrative trade and one worth preserving by any means.

Should you follow the 'real life' for this setting then covert and subterfuge would be powerful strategies rather than brute force. Although the latter, between two or more sufficiently powerful forces, could make for battles of epic proportions.

I'd like to see how you decide to proceed on this.