MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – The volume of trade between Russia and Oman experienced a remarkable increase, soaring 22 times to reach $1.5 billion during the initial seven months of 2026, according to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. Shoigu emphasized that this figure represents the highest in the past decade. He made these comments on October 20 during a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had previously agreed on a trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu highlighted that both countries have ample opportunities to sustain the positive trend and set new records in trade. He also stated that Moscow intends to strengthen cooperation with Muscat across various areas of mutual interest. Furthermore, Russia plans to implement the agreements made by the two heads of state. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations, with the previous session having taken place in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a bilateral security cooperation roadmap for 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. Shoigu also mentioned Russia and Oman’s intentions to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow in the near future, though no specific timeline was provided for these openings.
Trade diversifies beyond hydrocarbons
The upward trend in trade initiated earlier in the decade. From 2020 to 2024, bilateral trade increased by 62.3%, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that cited Shoigu’s comments. The scope of trade now includes sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. The expansion has been bolstered by Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects. These developments 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 expected 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. Several institutions, including the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council, actively support trade relations.
Oman seen as a strategic southern hub for corridor development
Oman is regarded by Russia as a 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 underlined Oman’s strategic location for port development, emphasizing that the links between Russian and Omani ports hold significant promise for the North-South route. The corridor is also part of Russia’s broader trade strategy with India.
Tourism also represents an expanding connection, with Russian visitor numbers to Oman increasing by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists, according to the publication. Both nations operate a mutual visa-free travel regime. 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, the report added.