India, Maldives sign MoUs to set up fitness centres on 42 islands

India and the Maldives signed MoUs to establish fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands under India's grant assistance. The initiative aims to improve community health, empower women and youth, and further strengthen bilateral development cooperation between the two neighbouring countries

Male: India and the Maldives have signed agreements under which New Delhi will provide equipment support for fitness and recreation centres in 42 islands, further expanding bilateral development cooperation, according to the Maldives’ foreign ministry.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on Sunday by Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Indian High Commissioner G Balasubramanian and Maldives’ Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Minister Abdulla Rafiu at a ceremony in Male, the ministry said in a press statement.

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The agreements are aimed at improving access to fitness facilities across island communities, with a special focus on women, girls and youth, while promoting healthier lifestyles and community well-being, it said.

The project is part of India’s grant assistance under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), whose total outlay has been enhanced over the years to MVR 355 million (USD 22.9 million), it said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Maldivian foreign minister said the initiative represented “a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of island communities” and would contribute to women’s empowerment, equality and social inclusion.

She also thanked India’s government and its people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for their continued support in strengthening bilateral ties.

Launched in 2019, the HICDP supports community-driven projects implemented by local councils and institutions across the Maldives. As many as 56 projects have been approved under the scheme across the Maldives, of which 24 have been completed and inaugurated.

India has been one of the Maldives’ principal development partners, supporting projects across healthcare, housing, transport, connectivity, education and infrastructure.

Major Indian-assisted initiatives include the Greater Male Connectivity Project, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, the National College for Police and Law Enforcement, water and sanitation projects, airport redevelopment, and the construction of 4,000 social housing units.