In a joint appearance alongside PM Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida dubbed the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a "very serious" matter that has "shaken" the roots of international order. He asserted that attempts to alter the status quo by using force in any region should never be tolerated. In his remarks at the briefing, however, Modi did not make any direct reference to Russia's invasion of Ukraine but referred to geopolitical events which were presenting new challenges.
India had taken on a very neutral stance in the Ukraine vs Russia standoffs in diplomatic forums. The country was one of the few to abstain from the vote on the US-backed resolution vote to condemning the invasion on Ukraine and asking Russia to withdraw
However, an India-Japan joint statement, issued after talks between Kishida and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the two leaders expressed serious concern over the conflict and the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and pitched for an immediate end to violence and resolution of the situation through dialogue and diplomacy. The joint statement said the two leaders affirmed that they would take "appropriate steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine".
Addressing a joint media briefing with Modi after the 14th India-Japan Summit, Kishida said he has told the Indian leader that one-sided efforts to change the status quo by force can't be allowed in any sphere and the Ukraine matter has to be approached with a "strong resolve".
Prime Minister Modi had spoken to PM Kishida on phone in October 2021 soon after he assumed office. Both sides expressed a desire to further strengthen the special strategic and global partnership. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The annual summit between Prime Minister Modi and his then Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe was cancelled in December 2019 in Guwahati in the wake of massive protests rocking the Assam capital over the amended citizenship law.
The summit could not be held in 2020 as well as in 2021 primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
-Inputs from agencies
