MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – In the first seven months of 2026, trade between Russia and Oman skyrocketed by a factor of 22, reaching a total of $1.5 billion, according to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. Shoigu noted that this figure marks the highest trade volume observed in the past decade. His comments came on October 20 during a Moscow meeting with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had initially set a trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that both sides possess ample opportunities to capitalize on this momentum and establish new trade milestones. He also mentioned Moscow’s intent to strengthen cooperation with Muscat across various sectors of mutual interest. Additionally, Russia intends to implement the agreements made by the two heads of state. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The previous round of talks was held in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap for enhancing bilateral security collaboration from 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow negotiations. This document was drafted by the offices of the two security councils following the Muscat dialogue. Shoigu further stated that Russia and Oman plan to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow in the near future, although no specific date has been set for the openings.
Trade Expands Beyond Oil and Gas
The upward trend in bilateral trade began earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, trade volume increased by 62.3%, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication citing Shoigu’s remarks. The scope of trade now encompasses sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food products. Russia’s investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects have played a significant role in this growth. These figures also contribute to the broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia initiated its first major shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. The publication indicates that Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is projected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian producers of meat and poultry are planning to expand their market presence. Oman is actively pursuing greater food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development blueprint. Various institutions, including the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council, support the strengthening of economic ties.
Oman Positioned as a Key Southern Gateway for the Corridor
Russia considers Oman as a strategic southern gateway 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 highlighted Oman’s strategic port development potential, emphasizing that links between Russian and Omani ports hold great promise for the North-South route. The corridor is also part of Russia’s trade strategy with India.
Tourism also represents an expanding area of cooperation. According to the publication, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists. Both nations have a mutual visa-free arrangement. Additionally, a rising number of Russian firms are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by Oman’s special economic zones and key ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.