Japan Urges India To Take Tougher Stand Against Russia.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak to the media in New Delhi on March 19.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pressed Indian leader Narendra Modi to take a tougher stand against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying it had shaken the "foundation of international order" and required a clear response.

However, a joint statement issued following their March 19 meeting in New Delhi fell short of specifically condemning the Kremlin's unprovoked attack.

Kishida told a joint news conference that he and the Indian leader had held an "in-depth discussion" and that "Russia's invasion...shakes the very foundations of the international order and must be dealt with firmly."

Modi made no direct mention of Ukraine and a joint written statement afterward called only "for an immediate cessation of violence and noted that there was no other choice but the path of dialogue and diplomacy for resolution of the conflict."

The statement said that the leaders "emphasized the need for all countries to seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law without resorting to threat or use of force or any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo."

Japan has joined its Western partners is deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has slapped financial sanctions on Moscow and on several individuals and entities.

However, India has abstained in UN votes condemning Russia's actions and has only called for a halt to the violence while continuing to purchase badly needed Russian oil.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP