The most accurate option regarding the effects of the Portuguese maritime empire in the Indian Ocean is:
**C. The Portuguese maritime empire continued the Colombian exchange, expanded global trade, expanded Christianity’s influence and led to the suppression of local customs and beliefs.**
This option accurately reflects the historical context of the Portuguese empire's activities in the Indian Ocean during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Portuguese established trade routes, contributed to the global exchange of goods (part of the Colombian exchange initiated by Columbus's voyages), spread Christianity through mission efforts, and often imposed their own cultural practices, which led to the suppression of indigenous customs and beliefs in the regions they dominated.