An Indian Army paratrooper displays demolitions and mines from the Indian Army inventory.

Col. J. P. Singh, Deputy Commandant of the Agra-based 50th Independent Para Brigade, and USAF Lt. Col. G.S. Buterbaught, Commander of the 353 Special Operations Wing, commented on the value of the combined exercise. Col. Singh observed that some of the Indian para commandos’ practical experiences, such as operations in the difficult mountainous terrain of Kashmir, are unique to the Indian forces. A REDIFF.com article on the Internet quoted Col. Singh as saying the technical expertise displayed by the U.S. Special Operations Forces was "amazing . . . . The combination of the two will produce a vibrant and effective joint operations ability." Noting this was the first time he has flown in a Russian-made IL-76 aircraft, Lt. Col. Buterbaught was quoted as saying, "I have trained with several foreign air forces and the Indian Air Force is certainly among the most professional forces I have known."

The "jointmanship" and "synergy" displayed by Indian and U.S. troops jumping from each other’s aircraft and using each other’s parachutes was the highlight of the exercise, according to India’s Tribune News Service, 17 May 2002. The service reported that the U.S. C-130 transport aircraft demonstrated the Containerized Drop System on the drop zone near the Indian Air Force Station and AN-32 flights then dropped the U.S. troops. Later, a U.S. C-130 conducted a high-speed, low-level drop while an Indian IL-76 demonstrated a bundle drop. In addition, India’s Akash Ganga team of para jumping instructors demonstrated their skill in hitting their target in a precision jump.

An Indian Army paratrooper displays combat equipment and a 90-mm recoilless rifle.

The two armed forces trained together in several areas of airborne assault operations. Air Commodore SN Bal, Air Officer Commanding the Air Force Station, was quoted by the Tribune News Service as saying the "synergy" would result in "mutually beneficial transfer of skills in the areas of planning and executing tactical missions with greater accuracy and harder punch."

BALANCE IROQUOIS demonstrated the progress India and the U.S. have made in military cooperation. The goal of both countries is to enhance mutual capabilities in combating terrorism, including joint research and development of technologies for meeting this threat.

The two countries also share interest in continued support for UN peacekeeping operations. India has accepted an invitation to participate in the multinational peace operations exercise that the U.S. will co-host in Bangladesh. India has also agreed to co-host, with the U.S. Pacific Command, a peacekeeping command post exercise in New Delhi in early 2003. Further, members of the Indian Special Forces have an invitation to participate in the annual Pacific Area Special Operations Conference, and planning is underway for additional JCET events with India. "The training was conducted professionally, safely and used a hands-on approach," said MSgt. Shell. "We look forward to a continued partnership with our counterparts in India."