Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the launch of two Indian-made warships and a submarine was key to India's 'quest towards self-reliance' as New Delhi bolsters defence against regional rivals. India 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 neighbouring China. India has rushed to rapidly expand its naval fleet, pouring efforts into building vessels within the country, with plans to expand the number of warships and submarines from around 150 to 170 over the next decade.