The United States has said that security of the Indian Ocean is inextricably linked to the stability of global economy. <br/><br/>A senior US diplomat said, maritime security in the Indian Ocean will depend more and more on the ability of countries like India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to work with each other. <br/><br/>Addressing the Pacific Council Members in Los Angeles, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Manpreet Singh Anand said, the stability of global economy also depends on how well the above countries can combat piracy and trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people on the high seas. <br/><br/>Mr Anand noted that South Asia has a tremendous growth potential as the region boasts more working age people than anywhere else in the world with its economies growing at an average of over seven per cent. <br/><br/>He said, over 250 million South Asians will move into cities in the next 15 years, creating strong demand for infrastructure and services. Mr Anand said, World Bank estimates that the region will need about 2.5 trillion US Dollars in infrastructure investment over the next ten years to reach its full economic potential. <br/><br/>He said, countries of the region are taking steps to bilaterally reduce barriers to trade. Mr Anand said, Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN), has drastically reduced transit times between the four countries and will allow for the faster, cheaper movement of goods and people across borders.