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.

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,