Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Oman and Russia

Application of Oman’s Multi-Vector (or Pluralistic) Foreign Policy Strategy

Eunji Kim 

Senior Researcher, HIMEA

In April, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss the expansion of trade relations and the possibility of holding an Arab League summit in Russia. During the meeting, President Putin emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between Russia and Oman in trade and economic sectors, highlighting the importance of developing ties in logistics, transportation, mutual investment, and agriculture. He also stated that Russia is fully prepared to strengthen bilateral relations with Oman across all fields.

The Sultan’s visit to Moscow took place less than a week after the official visit of Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Russia. Qatar and Russia likewise underscored their strategic partnership and friendly relations, signing memoranda of understanding in various fields such as healthcare, sports, and energy. Amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict and continued Western mediation efforts, Oman and Qatar are instead showing a clear inclination to deepen their ties with Moscow.

Oman’s Multi-Vector Foreign Policy

Oman, as an Ibadi Muslim state, was founded on a doctrine distinct from the Sunni and Shia branches followed by most other Islamic countries. Even before the establishment of the modern Sultanate, several Ibadi-led states existed within Omani territory. This continuous historical experience has provided Oman with the foundation to pursue an independent foreign policy.

Unlike other GCC member states, Oman has not relied heavily on Western support, but has instead sought to build relationships with a wider range of partners. For example, during the 1970s, amid a domestic insurgency, Oman requested military assistance from Iran rather than Western powers, successfully suppressing the rebellion.

As Russia pursues its so-called “pivot to the East”—a reorientation of its strategic focus from Europe back toward Asia—Oman has emerged as a strategic partner amid the pressures of Western sanctions. Compared with other GCC states, Oman has actively sought to develop broader and more diversified partnerships, leveraging Muscat’s long history as a trading hub to maintain strong ties with China and India.

Grounded in its deep historical identity, Oman continues to uphold a balanced foreign policy that avoids leaning exclusively toward either the East or the West. This shared diplomatic approach has fostered mutual understanding between Oman and Russia, providing momentum for their increasingly strengthened bilateral relationship.

Strengthening Oman–Russia Relations

As of December 2023, Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, son of Sultan Haitham of Oman, visited Moscow and met with President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Theyazin expressed full agreement with President Putin’s assessment of the current international situation, voicing support for ending the unjust global order and Western dominance, and emphasizing the need to build a new, fairer international and economic system.

Despite this alignment of views, Oman continues to maintain balanced diplomatic relations with Western countries while strengthening cooperation with neighboring GCC members. This approach equally applies to its ties with Russia, China, and Iran, though Oman’s relationship with Russia has grown particularly stronger in recent years.

In September 2023, a Russian delegation led by Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, visited Muscat, followed by Theyazin’s visit to Moscow in December. In May 2024, Abdulmalik Al Khalili, Chairman of Oman’s State Council, also visited Moscow, and in June, Oman participated as the guest of honor at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Later that year, in October, President Putin invited Sultan Haitham to Moscow.

Since the beginning of 2023, the frequency of high-level mutual visits between Russia and Oman has significantly increased, signaling a deepening strategic partnership and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Strengthening Relations through Military Cooperation

In late October 2024, Russia and Oman participated in Iran’s IMEX 2024 naval exercise. According to Iran’s state-run Press TV, the exercise involved naval fleets from Russia and Oman, with nine other countries observing. The drills aimed to enhance regional collective security, expand multilateral cooperation, and promote peace and maritime safety.

Oman and Iran had already been conducting annual joint military exercises, but the inclusion of Russia in this trilateral exercise marked the first time such cooperation had taken place. This three-way naval drill is expected to further strengthen bilateral military cooperation between Russia and Oman.

Leveraging its geostrategic location, Oman has already built solid military partnerships with China and India. The Port of Salalah frequently hosts Chinese naval vessels, while India has been granted access rights to the Port of Duqm. Oman also conducts regular bilateral exercises with the Indian Navy — a practice unique among GCC states.

From Russia’s perspective, cooperation with Oman is strategically essential for expanding its regional presence and reinforcing its security posture. Given the difficulties Russia faces in maintaining its port infrastructure due to sanctions and the instability following the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime, partnership with Oman — a key maritime hub — provides significant strategic advantages.

Expanding Relations through Economic and Cultural Cooperation

Russia and Oman have been promoting bilateral economic development through joint chambers of commerce and business councils. Oman seeks to facilitate the entry of Russian manufacturing companies into its markets, particularly in the oil and agriculture sectors, while also encouraging collaboration in technology and investment.

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2024, where Oman participated as the guest of honor, Omani state-owned enterprises such as Madayn and the logistics company Asyad Group signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Moscow-based businesses and discussed future cooperation opportunities. Furthermore, during the April summit, President Putin and Sultan Haitham reaffirmed that the two nations could deepen cooperation in energy, agriculture, and trade.

Recently, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism established representative offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg to promote Omani tourism and attract more visitors. As a result, in 2023, the number of Russian tourists visiting Oman increased by 350%, and direct flights between the two countries were resumed.

With its rich history and stunning natural landscapes, Oman plans to invest approximately USD 5.6 billion in its tourism industry and infrastructure, and the number of Russian tourists traveling to Oman is expected to rise even further in the coming years.