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