Malik Ayaz had risen from enslavement and service as a bowman to become governor of Diu under the Gujarat Sultanate. He had already cultivated relations with Portugal before political orders forced him to support Husayn. Many Indian rulers still profited regardless of which foreign merchants carried goods west, so they lacked Egypt's incentive to preserve the old route. Ayaz therefore tried to protect his city, satisfy his sultan, and retain a working relationship with the Portuguese at the same time.
Notable Point · 2:56:46-2:59:45
Ayaz balanced imperial orders with Diu's interests
Ayaz's career and the incentives of Indian rulers explain his reluctant cooperation with Husayn and rapid accommodation with Portugal.