However, interaction and confrontation with the Sidis of Janjira was not limited merely to the Marathas. By virtue of their presence on the west coast of India, the Sidis were in direct contact with the British and the Mughals. When Janjira was handed over to Sidi Ambar Sainak by Malik Ambar in 1621, the relationship between the Sidis and the Mughals was initially tense. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had embarked on a conquest of the Konkan and had appropriated the village of Danda-Rajpuri - and the Janjira fort was located off its coast. The British too recognized the strategic location of the fort near the village of Danda-Rajpuri and coveted it for themselves as an advantageous trading base. Attempts to open negotiations with the Sidis were made in 1628 and again in 1639, both of which failed. In 1657, the British were even asked to assist the Mughals in capturing the fort of Janjira, but ironically they were not in a position to offer aid at the time. However, the greatly advantageous location of Janjira prompted renewed dialogue between the East India Company at home and its employees in India in 1659. In a letter dated 23 March 1659, the East India Company wrote to the Surat Council:
wee desire you to take notice that wee have here againe reassumed the debate of this businesse, and doe conclude that Danda Rajapore will be a very commodious and secure place to settle upon, being soe scituated as that in respect of trade, both to Persia, Mocha, Acheene, etc., and the freenesse from troubles and dangers, that it is to be preferred farr belore Surratt (Foster 1921, pp. 207-208; see also Banaji 1932, pp. 5-6).