The statement that best captures the correlation between Roman expansion policy and trade in the Indian Ocean is:
As the Romans conquered territory, they gained access to trade resources, which encouraged more expansion.
This response reflects the interrelated nature of military expansion and economic interests, as Roman expansion often aimed to secure trade routes, access valuable resources, and increase the flow of wealth into the empire. The Romans were aware of the strategic importance of trade networks, including those in the Indian Ocean, which facilitated commerce with regions such as India, Arabia, and beyond. Conquering territories not only allowed the Romans to protect these trade routes but also provided direct access to various trade goods, thereby incentivizing further expansion to secure and enhance their economic interests.