MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – Trade between Russia and Oman experienced a 22-fold increase, totaling $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, as reported by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. Shoigu highlighted that this figure is the highest recorded 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 emphasized that both parties have ample opportunity to build on this positive trend and aim for new trade milestones. He also indicated that Moscow intends to deepen cooperation with Muscat in areas of shared interest, with Russia committed to implementing agreements made by the two heads of state. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The previous meeting took place in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap for expanding bilateral security collaboration from 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow talks. This document was drafted by the offices of both security councils following the Muscat discussions. Additionally, Shoigu announced plans for Russia and Oman to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow, although no specific dates were provided for these openings.
Trade Diversifies Beyond Hydrocarbon Resources
The upward trend in trade started earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral trade grew by 62.3%, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that covered Shoigu’s statements. The report indicated that trade now spans sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects have played a key role in the expansion. These figures contribute to a broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia initiated its first significant shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, the publication noted. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is projected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian meat and poultry producers are planning to expand their market presence. Additionally, Oman is pursuing greater food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Institutions like the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council continue to support economic ties.
Oman as a Strategic Southern Gateway in Corridor Development
Russia considers Oman a key potential southern entry point for the International North-South Transport Corridor. This route connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets across the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously highlighted Oman’s advantageous location for port development, noting that the connections between Russian and Omani ports hold significant promise for the North-South corridor. This route is also part of Russia’s broader trade ambitions with India.
Tourism is another expanding area of cooperation. In 2025, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87%, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists. Both nations have a reciprocal visa-free agreement. Furthermore, an increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by its special economic zones and strategic ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat, according to the publication.