The G20 declaration in India neither condemns Russia nor demands the withdrawal of its troops. Ukraine has understandably called it "nothing to be proud of."
With significant disagreements between G7 nations and the China-Russia camp, the G20 is struggling to show a united front in addressing critical energy issues.
It is to New Delhi's credit that disparate voices came to the G20 negotiating table and aired their views, including China and Russia.
Sending a deputy instead of Foreign Minister Hayashi to the G20 meeting weakens the initiative to halt Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
Japan and India take on G7 and G20 leadership roles in 2023, but they have different post-pandemic priorities that could affect how they tackle the challenges.
Face-to-face meetings are the only way to solve problems of climate change and global economic growth, and pressure China to meet the same goals.