India and Japan are expected to strengthen military ties to counter China's increasing assertiveness in disputed territories when Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays a visit to Tokyo for an annual summit next month.

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India's foreign ministry said on Friday that Modi would conduct talks with Emperor Akihito as well as with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, in a two-day visit starting  November 11.

China reportedly continues to increase its naval presence in the South and East China Seas, parts of which are also being claimed by several countries including Japan.

Border dispute

India also has a longtime territorial dispute with China with the militaries of both countries involved in a major standoff at the border two years ago.

Japan is likewise locked in a bitter feud with China over the sovereignty of the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands, known as Diaoyu Islands in Chinese, in the East China Sea.

Tokyo and New Delhi have reportedly established an "unusually" close relationship since Modi assumed his position in 2014.

In-depth exchanges

"The meeting would be an occasion for the two leaders to have in-depth exchanges on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Part of the agenda laid out for both countries include discussions on future joint military exercises and enhancement of defense and security ties between the two sides.

Earlier, Japan urged India to make a stand and speak out on the South China Sea dispute. Analysts said that was Japan's way of recognizing the growing reputation of New Delhi as a regional power.

Strongly-worded statement

Analysts say Tokyo is hoping that India would craft a strongly-worded statement on the South China Sea dispute believing that the statement would have an impact on China.

China has repeatedly declared that disputes in the South China Sea region should be resolved among the claimant countries without interference from outsiders.

Japan claims that Chinese vessels have been sailing in its territorial waters near Tokyo's Senkaku Islands. Tokyo protested to Beijing in August after the Chinese Coast Guard and the more than 200 Chinese vessels entered Japanese waters in the East China Sea.

Japan has expressed concern that China's aggression in the South China Sea might spill over to the East China Sea prompting Tokyo to seek the support of other regional powers to stop China.

TagsTokyo, New Delhi, annual summit, Emperor Akihito, East China Sea, Senkaku Islands, India, china, India