MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, trade between Russia and Oman surged by a factor of 22, reaching $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu emphasized that this is the highest figure recorded in the past decade. His remarks were made on October 20 during a Moscow meeting with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had previously targeted a trade volume of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu expressed confidence that both sides can capitalize on this positive trend and set new trade milestones. He also stated that Moscow intends to enhance collaboration with Muscat across various areas of mutual interest and to implement agreements made by the two heads of state. The Security Council’s press service characterized the discussions as interagency consultations, with the last round having taken place in Muscat in November 2025.
As reported by TASS, a roadmap for strengthening bilateral security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow talks. This document was drafted by the offices of the two security councils following the Muscat meetings. Shoigu also indicated that plans are underway for Russia and Oman to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow, though no specific dates for these openings were provided.
Trade Diversifies Beyond Hydrocarbon Sectors
The upward trend in trade began earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral trade grew by 62.3%, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that covered Shoigu’s statements. The scope of trade has since expanded to include agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russian investments in Oman’s energy, logistics, and food security projects have played a significant role in this growth. These figures contribute to the broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
The publication noted that in 2025, Russia initiated its first significant shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. The country’s domestic poultry consumption is forecasted to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, prompting Russian meat and poultry producers to plan further expansion into the Omani market. Oman is also actively pursuing greater food independence under its Oman Vision 2040 development strategy. Key institutions such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council continue to promote economic cooperation.
Oman Positioned as a Strategic Gateway for the South
Russia regards Oman as a strategic southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets in the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin previously highlighted Oman’s strategic location for port development, emphasizing that the connection between Russian and Omani ports holds great potential for the North-South route. This corridor also figures into Russia’s trade expansion plans with India.
Tourism is another expanding area of cooperation. According to the publication, Russian tourist arrivals in Oman increased by 87% in 2025, totaling approximately 80,000 visitors. Both nations have a mutual visa-free agreement, and an increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman. The publication attributes this trend to Oman’s special economic zones and its ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.