Chairperson of main opposition party MDP and former Economic Minister, Fayyaz Ismail, has said that Lakshadweep tourism will not directly affect tourism in Maldives.

In the wake of the Indian Union Territory Lakshadweep's promotional video, Indian social media accounts have started a boycott campaign against Maldives following derogatory remarks by some deputy ministers at Maldives Youth Ministry.

Speaking to Indian TV channel 'CNNNews18', Fayyaz said Lakshadweep has always been on his bucket list and that India and Maldives could work together in tourism which would be beneficial for both countries.

"Lakshadweep is not a direct threat to Maldives. We always welcome healthy tourism. PM Modi visiting and promoting Lakshadweep is not an issue," Fayyaz said in his interview.

Fayyaz added that some Indian accounts on X have made connections between Modi's trip to Lakshadweep and the 'India Out' campaign in Maldives. He said some government officials had made remarks that go against diplomatic ethics in their reaction to this, and that the ongoing issue could have been well avoided.

India was the biggest source market for Maldives tourism in 2023. Fayyaz said that his biggest worry isn't tourism industry, and that the boycott campaign will die out over the coming days as well. He said that the governments are capable of resolving the current issue.

However, he added that his worry is how this will affect the citizens in both countries, and that reversing the effects on the mentalities of the public might prove to be difficult. Fayyaz added that maintaining good ties with India is crucial to the peace and harmony in the region.