In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s navy simultaneously launched a submarine, a destroyer, and a frigate at a state-owned shipyard on Wednesday. This step highlights the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, through which 95% of India’s trade passes, amid increasing Chinese naval activities.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the shifting focus from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean, describing the region as a pivotal center of global power competition. "India is prioritizing the enhancement of its navy to safeguard national interests," he stated.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while commissioning the vessels at the Mazagon dockyard in Mumbai, called the development a milestone in India's quest to become a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security.

Defense expert Rahul Bedi noted that China’s rapidly expanding navy presents challenges in the Indian Ocean. The newly launched submarine, INS Vagsheer, is the sixth in the French-designed Kalvari (Scorpene)-class diesel-electric series. It aims to replace India's aging submarine fleet and address critical capability gaps. Currently, India operates 16 submarines.

The P75 Scorpene project, developed in partnership with France's Naval Group, marks India's growing competence in submarine construction. The defense ministry is expected to finalize a deal for three more Scorpene submarines during Prime Minister Modi's anticipated visit to Paris next month for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. However, the first of these submarines is not expected to be operational until 2031.

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India’s indigenous defense efforts received a boost in 2022 with the commissioning of its first home-built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to counter China's larger naval fleet and enhance local shipbuilding expertise. The INS Vikrant, meaning "powerful" or "courageous" in Sanskrit, is India’s second operational carrier, joining the INS Vikramaditya, which was purchased from Russia in 2004.