Japan and India will hold their first "two-plus-two" foreign and defense ministerial talks by the end of the year to strengthen security cooperation, Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Monday.

"Security and defense cooperation between Japan and India is vital not only for the two countries but also for regional stability," Iwaya told reporters after meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Tokyo.

Iwaya said they agreed that the two countries would work hard toward an early conclusion of an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA) which allows them to share defense capabilities as well as supplies, including fuel and ammunition.