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.

New Delhi launches three domestically built vessels as it seeks to compete with China for influence across Asia Pacific.

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

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,