India to equip 42 Maldivian islands with fitness centres under grant aid
India and the Maldives have signed agreements under which New Delhi will provide equipment support for fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands, according to the Maldivian Foreign Ministry. The initiative marks a further expansion of bilateral development cooperation between the two nations.
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on Sunday (July 19, 2026) 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 agreements aim to improve access to fitness facilities for island communities, with a special focus on women, girls and youth. The project intends to promote healthier lifestyles and community well-being, the Ministry said in a press statement.
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 (approximately $22.9 million). Launched in 2019, HICDP supports community-driven projects implemented by local councils and institutions across the Maldives. To date, 56 projects have been approved under the scheme, of which 24 have been completed and inaugurated.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maldivian Foreign Minister Adam described the initiative as 'a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of island communities' and said it would contribute to women's empowerment, equality and social inclusion. She also thanked India's government and people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their continued support in strengthening bilateral ties.
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.
