This is How GEOPOLITICS Really Works | Rajiv Sikri, Ex-IFS Officer on Power, Trade & War

The 21st century has shattered old assumptions about diplomacy.Relationships between nations are no longer guided by ideology or morality, but driven by pragmatism and national interest.This week, former diplomat Rajiv Sikri who served 36 years in the Indian Foreign Service, offers a deep dive into how global power dynamics are shifting. We discuss why the United States still remains the only true great power, yet its tariff policies are reshaping global trade and forcing countries like India to rethink their strategies. And explores how the Russia–Ukraine conflict has reshaped security and political choices. For India, Russia remains a vital partner, while Europe has chosen to cut ties despite its heavy dependence on Russian energy and Britain continues to commit billions to Ukraine even with its own economy struggling. Rajiv also examines China’s growing alignment with Pakistan and what this means for India’s long-term security and economic positioning. Rajiv also argues that a future global conflict may not involve every country, but rather regional conflicts with worldwide consequences.This episode provides a clear-eyed analysis of global diplomacy; its complexities, evolving alignments, and the choices India faces in navigating an increasingly multipolar world.0:00 – Why US remains the world’s true great power3:35 – Has the WTO collapsed?5:23 – How US Tariffs have destabilised the world7:12 – Can India become an Agri-exporter?11:32 – Why Trump puts the MAGA base first13:21 – The Russia-Ukraine war explained22:24 – Diplomatic relationships are no longer based on ideology25:22 – Why Europe cutting ties with Russia may backfire27:52 – Why Britain funds Ukraine despite its weak economy29:57 – Did Operation Sindhoor reveal open Chinese support to Pakistan?33:32 – What China risks from India’s rise?37:24 – Why morality doesn’t exist in global politics38:30 – Will China’s attitude towards India change?39:28 – How China dominates global manufacturing44:40 – Why global investors should bet on India49:20 – Israel’s War Acts53:17 – How will WW3 actually be?56:07 – Can the world create an organisation not dominated by the West?59:29 – Why India must act cold-blooded in its national interest1:01:13 – Are India’s global moves headed in the right direction?1:03:43 – Lessons from 36 years as a diplomat-------------India’s talent has built the world’s tech—now it’s time to lead it.This mission goes beyond startups. It’s about shifting the center of gravity in global tech to include the brilliance rising from India.What is Neon Fund?We invest in seed and early-stage founders from India and the diaspora building world-class Enterprise AI companies. We bring capital, conviction, and a community that’s done it before.Subscribe for real founder stories, investor perspectives, economist breakdowns, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re doing it all at Neon.-------------Check us out on:Website: https://neon.fund/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonshoww/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneon/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNeonShowwConnect with Siddhartha on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/Twitter: https://x.com/siddharthaa7-------------This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted and do not constitute professional advice.Send us Fan Mail