TOKYO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Japan, the United States and India will stage a joint military training drill early next month in thePacific near Japan, Kyodo News reported Monday.

    The one-week-long drill will focus on maritime security when natural disasters occur, such as strong earthquakes and tsunamis, the report said, quoting unnamed sources.

    This would be the first joint drill among the three countries, the report said, adding that Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force will dispatch escort vessels and patrol helicopters.