Why did the Empire cruise skip British India?
Short answerIndia already had a huge British military presence, while other imperial stations needed the Navy to perform a larger presence and prestige role.
NotesA fleet visit had less value in India because the British Indian Army already made imperial power highly visible. Places such as Ceylon lacked the same scale of land presence, so the Royal Navy carried more of the burden of ceremony, reassurance, and political display. Naval presence was directed toward stations where it added the most influence.