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The Maldives and India have signed an agreement to provide equipment for fitness and recreation centres in three islands under India’s HICDP grant assistance programme.
Mariyam Adheela
MALE’: Three more Maldivian islands are set to receive equipment for fitness and recreation centres under an agreement signed between the Maldives and India.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian. Youth Minister Abdulla Rafiu signed on behalf of the implementing agency.
The initiative is being carried out under India’s High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) grant assistance scheme.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham said the project would expand access to fitness and recreation facilities, supporting healthier lifestyles and more balanced development across the islands.
She said the latest agreement builds on arrangements signed in July to establish similar facilities in 42 islands, with work on those projects already underway.
Youth Minister Rafiu said the centres would provide spaces for sports, exercise and community activities, creating more opportunities for women and young people to participate in recreational activities.
Both ministers thanked India for its continued support for community development in the Maldives. Iruthisham also acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and High Commissioner Balasubramanian for their contributions to bilateral cooperation.
