MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, the trade volume connecting Russia and Oman skyrocketed 22-fold to reach $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu highlighted that this figure marks the highest level in the past decade. He shared these observations on October 20 at a meeting held 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 emphasized that both parties have ample opportunities to build upon this positive trend and establish new trade milestones. He also mentioned Moscow’s intention to deepen cooperation with Muscat in various mutually beneficial areas. Furthermore, Russia intends to implement the agreements made by the leaders of both countries. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations, with the previous round having taken place in Muscat in November 2025.
A plan to strengthen bilateral security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 was expected to be signed during the Moscow talks, according to TASS. The document was drafted by the offices of both security councils following the Muscat discussions. Shoigu additionally stated that Russia and Oman are planning to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow in the near future, though no specific dates were provided for these openings.
Expansion of Trade Goes Beyond Hydrocarbon Goods
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 quoted Shoigu’s statements. According to the report, trade now encompasses sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and foodstuffs. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security initiatives have helped fuel this growth. These figures contribute to a broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports for the year.
The publication noted that Russia began shipping refrigerated meat to Oman in large quantities for the first time in 2025. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is forecasted to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian meat and poultry producers are actively planning to expand their market presence in Oman. Additionally, Oman is pursuing greater food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Support for business collaborations comes from institutions such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Oman Recognized as a Key Southern Hub for Transport Corridor
Russia considers Oman a vital southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets across the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously pointed out Oman’s advantageous port location, describing the links between Russian and Omani ports as highly promising for the corridor’s development. This route is also integrated into Russia’s trade strategies with India.
Tourism is another expanding area of cooperation. According to the publication, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, with an estimated total of 80,000 tourists. Both countries facilitate a mutual visa-free travel arrangement. Increasing numbers of Russian enterprises are establishing subsidiaries within Oman, attracted by its special economic zones and major ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.