U.S., India wrap up joint military drills

CAMP BUNDELA, India, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. and Indian forces wrapped up their largest joint military exercise to date, practicing a set of maneuvers simulating environments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

More than 200 troops from the U.S. 2nd Battalion, 14th Calvary Squadron brought 17 Stryker combat vehicles from Hawaii to practice maneuvers with their counterparts in the Indian armed forces.

It was the largest deployment of U.S. Strykers to a theater outside of war. Indian soldiers were familiarized with the vehicle but were restricted from driving or using sensitive communications equipment.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, the commander of U.S. Army forces in the Pacific, and Indian generals traveled to Camp Bundela in India to demonstrate the firepower of the Indian T-90 battle tank and the U.S. Javelin tank killer, the U.S. Department of Defense said.

Training focused on joint exercises in environments and situations that resemble the types of operations experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mixon said the ability of the Indian military was impressive, noting the exchange of information flowed in both directions.

"The Indian army is a professional military force," he said. "I would be comfortable going with the Indian army anywhere, any time."