In talks Monday, Japan and India agreed to boost security and economic ties amid China's increasing territorial ambitions and military strength.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his visiting Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, signed a joint declaration to further strengthen their strategic partnership after a summit at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo.

"I have been always saying Japan-India relationship holds the greatest potential," Abe said at a joint news conference with Modi after signing the declaration. "Hand in hand with Prime Minister Modi, I'd like to elevate our bilateral relationship to a special strategic and global partnership by enhancing relations fundamentally in every field."