India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday the launch of two Indian-made warships and a submarine was key to its "quest toward self-reliance" as New Delhi bolsters its defense against regional rivals.

The launch underscores the importance of the Indian Ocean region, through which 95% of the country's trade moves.

The move underscores the importance of protecting the Indian Ocean region through which 95% of the country’s trade moves amid a strong Chinese presence.

India’s navy has launched a submarine, a destroyer and a frigate, underlining the importance of protecting its crucial Indian Ocean trade route amid a strong Chinese presence. The move came as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Atlantic Ocean’s importance has shifted to the Indian Ocean region,

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the launch of two Indian-made warships and a submarine was key to its “quest towards self-reliance”. New Delhi is expanding its armed forces to upgrade its mostly Soviet-era weaponry and respond to what many in India see as a growing threat from neighbours.