MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, trade between Russia and Oman skyrocketed 22-fold to $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu emphasized that this figure marks the highest level in the past decade. He made these comments on October 20 in Moscow during a meeting with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had previously set a trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu highlighted that both parties have strong potential to further capitalize on this momentum and establish new trade milestones. He added that Moscow intends to strengthen collaboration with Muscat across various sectors of mutual interest. Additionally, Russia plans to implement the agreements reached by their respective leaders. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The last such meeting took place in Muscat in November 2025.
As reported by TASS, a bilateral roadmap focusing on enhancing security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 is anticipated to be signed during the Moscow talks. This document was drafted by the offices of both security councils following the Muscat negotiations. Shoigu also mentioned that Russia and Oman aim to establish military attaché offices at their embassies in Muscat and Moscow soon, though no specific dates have been announced.
Trade growth expands beyond hydrocarbons
The upward trend in trade began earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral trade increased by 62.3%, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that reported Shoigu’s comments. The scope of trade now includes agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics and food commodities. Investment from Russia in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects has also played a significant role in the expansion. These figures contribute to a broader rise in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia initiated its first major shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, according to the publication. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is expected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, with Russian meat and poultry producers planning to increase their market presence. Oman is also pursuing greater food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development initiative. Entities such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council are actively supporting business relations.
Oman positioned as a key southern gateway for regional corridor
Russia considers Oman as a potential southern entry point for the International North-South Transport Corridor. This route connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets in the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin previously underscored Oman’s strategic location for port development, noting that the connections between Russian and Omani ports are highly promising for the North-South corridor. This route also features prominently in Russia’s trade plans with India.
Tourism is another expanding link between the two nations. In 2025, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87%, totaling approximately 80,000 tourists. Both countries have a mutual visa-free travel agreement. An increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by its special economic zones and ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat, as reported by the publication.