MUMBAI, India -- India's navy on Wednesday simultaneously launched a submarine, a destroyer and a frigate built at a state-run shipyard, underscoring the importance of protecting the Indian Ocean region through which 95% of the country's trade moves amid a strong Chinese presence.

India made history Wednesday by commissioning two indigenously developed and manufactured warships - a class-leading stealth frigate and guided missile destroyer - and an attack submarine.

The commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realising India's vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security.

Bedi said the INS Vagsheer submarine, the sixth among a French licence-built Kalvari (Scorpene)-class conventional diesel-electric submarines, is aimed at replacing ageing Indian

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

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.