MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – In the first seven months of 2026, trade between Russia and Oman experienced a remarkable 22-fold increase, reaching a total of $1.5 billion, as reported by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. According to Shoigu, this figure marks the highest level in the past decade. He made these comments on October 20 during a Moscow meeting with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had previously established a trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that both parties have ample opportunities to build on this positive trend and set new trade milestones. He also noted Moscow’s intention to strengthen cooperation with Muscat across areas of mutual benefit. Russia plans to implement the 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.
According to TASS, a roadmap for enhancing bilateral security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 was expected to be signed during the Moscow talks. This document was drafted by the offices of both security councils following the Muscat discussions. Shoigu also revealed that Russia and Oman intend to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow in the near future, although no specific dates were provided for these openings.
Trade expands beyond hydrocarbons
The upward trajectory in trade relations began 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 also covered Shoigu’s remarks. The report indicates that trade has diversified to include sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security initiatives have contributed to this expansion. These figures complement a broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
The publication added that Russia began dispatching its first sizable shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is projected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, with Russian meat and poultry producers planning to further penetrate the market. Oman is also actively pursuing greater food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development blueprint. Institutions like the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council continue to bolster commercial ties.
Oman Positioned as a Key Southern Gateway for the Corridor
Russia considers Oman a strategic southern access point for the International North-South Transport Corridor. This route links Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets in the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously highlighted Oman’s advantageous location for port development, noting that connections between Russian and Omani ports hold significant promise for the North-South route. The corridor is also a component of Russia’s trade strategies with India.
Tourism is another expanding sector linking the two nations. According to the publication, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists. Both countries maintain a visa-free agreement. Additionally, an increasing number of Russian enterprises are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by Oman’s special economic zones and key ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.