NEW DELHI: Japan today pitched for stronger maritime security cooperation with India, saying both nations should "proactively" assume responsibilities to ensure "open and stable seas" in the region, comments seen as an effort to contain China's growing assertiveness in South China Sea Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said India and Japan have huge interests in the region extending from the Indian Ocean through the South China Sea to the Pacific and both the countries should work jointly under their "special partnership" to ensure maritime security.In an address at the Indian Council of World Affairs here, Kishida took a subtle dig at China on the South China Sea dispute and recalled Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's proposal of "three principles of the rule of law at sea" including not using "force or coercion" in trying to drive claims."Japan and India have been increasing cooperation in the field of maritime security, through efforts such as joint maritime exercises between defense authorities, as well as the implementation of dialogue and combined exercises between coast guards. It is important to further strengthen our cooperation," he said.Kishida, who called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, is on his first overseas visit here after Abe registered a landmark victory in national election last month.Stressing on enhancing maritime ties, the Japanese Foreign Minister said "we should even more proactively assume our responsibilities to protect 'Open and Stable Seas' under our special partnership."Japanese diplomatic sources said Japan wanted India to play a central role in the Indo-Pacific region while referring to increasing activities by China in the seas and airspace around Japan, including alleged intrusion into its territorial waters, particularly in Senkaku Islands.Calling Japan and India as the most successful democracies and free nations in Asia, Kishida said leadership from both countries is essential for the Indo-Pacific region. "Both India and Japan are maritime countries whose interests depend on the safety of sea lanes."