The Maldives and India have signed agreements to supply equipment for fitness and recreation centres on 42 inhabited islands under India's High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) grant programme, expanding support for community sports infrastructure across the country.

The agreements were signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian, while Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Minister Abdulla Rafiu signed on behalf of the implementing agency responsible for the project.

The initiative will provide fitness equipment to centres across the selected islands to improve access to recreational facilities and encourage more active lifestyles within island communities. The Government said the project is expected to create greater opportunities for people of all ages, particularly women, girls and young people, to participate in sports and physical activities while strengthening community well-being.

Speaking after the signing, Minister Iruthisham said the project reflects the Government's efforts to align international partnerships with national development priorities under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's Maldives First foreign policy. She also said expanding access to fitness facilities would support greater inclusion and participation in communities, particularly among women and girls.

Minister Rafiu said the centres are expected to become community spaces that encourage wider participation in sports and recreation while promoting healthier lifestyles and contributing to the long-term health and resilience of island communities.

Both ministers thanked the Government of India for its continued assistance, describing the project as another example of the close partnership between the two countries. Minister Iruthisham also expressed appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and High Commissioner Balasubramanian for their support in strengthening Maldives-India relations.