MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, the trade volume between Russia and Oman surged 22 times to reach $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu noted that this figure represents the highest level in the past decade. These comments were made 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 established a trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that both parties have ample prospects to maintain the positive trend and to set new trade benchmarks. He further stated that Moscow intends to strengthen cooperation with Muscat in areas of mutual interest and to implement the agreements made by their respective heads of state. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The last round of talks took place in Muscat in November 2025.
A plan to enhance bilateral security collaboration from 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow talks, as reported by TASS. The security councils of both countries drafted the document following the Muscat meeting. Shoigu also indicated that Russia and Oman intend to establish military attaché offices at their embassies in Muscat and Moscow soon, although no specific date was provided for these openings.
Trade Extends Beyond Oil and Gas
The increase in trade activity 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 also reported Shoigu’s statements. The report states that current trade includes sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russian investments in energy, logistics, and food security projects in Oman have contributed to this growth. These figures add to the broader trend of Russia’s non-resource exports increasing this year.
In 2025, Russia commenced its first sizable shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, the publication noted. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is forecasted to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian meat and poultry producers are planning to expand their presence within this market. Additionally, Oman is working towards greater food self-sufficiency as part of its Oman Vision 2040 development strategy. Institutions such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council are actively supporting economic cooperation.
Oman Seen as a Strategic Southern Gateway for Trade Corridor
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 in the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously highlighted Oman’s strategic location for port development, noting that connections between Russian and Omani ports hold significant promise for the North-South route. Russia’s trade plans with India also incorporate this corridor.
Tourism is another expanding area of cooperation, with Russian visitors to Oman increasing by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists, according to the publication. Both countries maintain a mutual visa-free regime, and 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.