The India, France, and UAE conducted their first-ever joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman in early 2021. The exercise, named 'Varuna' in India, 'La Perouse' in France, and 'Gulf 19' in the UAE, held significant strategic importance for the participating nations. Here are some key points elaborating the significance of the exercise:

• The exercise was aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability among the three navies to promote peace, security, and stability in the region
• It provided an opportunity to exchange best practices and expertise, and improve fleet capabilities in tackling common maritime security challenges
• The joint exercise reinforced the strong defense ties between India and France, and India and the UAE, while promoting strategic unity among the three nations
• The exercise comes amidst the increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Indian Ocean region, and demonstrates a shared commitment by the three democracies to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific
• The exercise also showcased India's increasing maritime reach and influence, as well as its role as a responsible regional security provider

Overall, the India, France, and UAE maiden maritime exercise in Gulf of Oman underlined a shared commitment towards promoting regional stability and security.