During US Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to New Delhi, the old stock phrases to characterise the Indo-US relationship — “strategic partnership” or “a defining relationship” — have been spoken of in a muted tone. The reality is that these are echoes of the past, today the relationship is on a somewhat arid plateau. It is unable to meet the expectations placed on it and the reason for that is the increasing lack of what can be called “strategic trust” between New Delhi and Washington.