Rising middle powers like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam play a crucial role in shaping regional security and economic frameworks by serving as a stabilizing force and a counterweight to great-power rivalry.

They do this by promoting multilateralism, building their own influence, and offering alternative leadership models.

Shaping Regional Frameworks

These countries are not passive bystanders; they are actively working to shape the regional order.

• India: India pursues a policy of strategic autonomy and multi-alignment. It leverages its economic and military weight to influence forums like the Quad (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia) to counter China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, India is a member of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which are often seen as alternatives to Western-led institutions.

• Indonesia: As the de facto leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia uses its "free and active" (bebas-aktif) foreign policy to promote ASEAN's centrality in regional security matters. It advocates for multilateral solutions to disputes, such as the South China Sea, and works to ensure that ASEAN remains a key diplomatic platform where all major powers must engage.

• Vietnam: Vietnam uses its "bamboo diplomacy," which combines a firm stance on national sovereignty with flexible foreign relations. It has been a vocal proponent of a binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, using its position within ASEAN to push for a rules-based order without provoking a direct conflict with China.

Balancing Relationships with the U.S. and China

These nations are caught in a difficult position, relying on the U.S. and its allies for security and technology while depending on China for trade and investment. They navigate this by "hedging" their bets and avoiding exclusive alignment with either side.

• India: India is increasingly deepening its military and economic ties with the U.S. and its partners, as seen in the Quad, to counter China's growing power. However, it maintains strong ties with Russia for defense equipment and with China for trade. This multi-alignment allows India to preserve its strategic autonomy and negotiate from a position of strength.

• Indonesia: Indonesia's "free and active" policy is a direct response to this dilemma. It seeks to maintain positive relations with both the U.S. and China, welcoming investment from both but avoiding any formal military alliances. For example, Indonesia has cooperated with the U.S. on joint military exercises while also accepting significant Chinese investment in its infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

• Vietnam: Vietnam is a prime example of "bamboo diplomacy" in action. It has a comprehensive strategic partnership with the U.S., which includes increased security cooperation, particularly on maritime issues. Simultaneously, it maintains strong economic and political relationships with China, its largest trading partner. Vietnam leverages its strategic location and economic importance to avoid being forced to choose a side, instead bending with the geopolitical winds without breaking its core principles.