India Prime Minister Modi wins pledges of support from Japan government, industry

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed as he visits Taimei Elementary School in Tokyo, Monday, Sept. 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (The Associated Press)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, front left, and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, front right, stroll at Toji Temple in Kyoto, western Japan Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. (AP Photo/Japan Pool via Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and iPS cell researcher and Nobel Prize laureate, Shinya Yamanaka, chat during Modi's visit at Kyoto Universaity in Kyoto, western Japan Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT (The Associated Press)

Japanese government and business leaders are pledging support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effort to modernize his country's economy.

Modi and a delegation of more than a dozen Indian tycoons are visiting Japan, seeking to take ties between the countries to a "new level."

The Indian leader was to meet later Monday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The two leaders, who appear to have very cordial relations, dined together in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto during the weekend.

India is keen to gain more support for ambitious construction and energy projects. In a speech to Japanese business leaders Modi promised to set up a team to facilitate such efforts.

The two sides are also beefing up cooperation on security, with an eye toward China's growing assertiveness in the region.