MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, trade between Russia and Oman surged 22 times to reach $1.5 billion during the initial seven months of 2026. Shoigu stated that this figure marks the highest level in the past decade. His remarks were made on October 20 during a meeting held in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had previously set a bilateral trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that both countries have ample opportunity to build upon this positive momentum and aim for new trade milestones. He also mentioned that Moscow intends to strengthen cooperation with Muscat across areas of shared interest. Additionally, Russia plans to implement the agreements signed by the two heads of state. The Security Council’s press service characterized the discussions as interagency consultations, noting that the last round took place in Muscat in November 2025.
A bilateral roadmap aimed at deepening security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 was expected to be signed during the Moscow talks, according to TASS. The security councils of both countries drafted this document after the Muscat meeting. Shoigu also revealed that Russia and Oman are planning to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow soon, though no specific date was provided for these openings.
Trade Diversifies Beyond Oil and Gas
The upward trend in trade began earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral trade increased by 62.3%, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that highlighted Shoigu’s comments. Today, trade encompasses sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. The expansion has been supported by Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects. These figures contribute to a broader rise in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia began its first sizable shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. The publication forecasts that Oman’s domestic poultry consumption will reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian meat and poultry producers are planning to expand their market presence. Oman is also working toward greater food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Business ties are being promoted through institutions like the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Oman Positioned as a Southern Gateway for the Corridor
Russia considers Oman a strategic southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which 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 location for port development, emphasizing that the links between Russian and Omani ports are highly promising for the North-South route. Russia’s trade plans with India also include this corridor.
Tourism is another area of growing cooperation. According to the publication, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, totaling approximately 80,000 tourists. Both nations benefit from a mutual visa-free travel agreement. More Russian companies are registering subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by the country’s special economic zones and key ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.