MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, trade between Russia and Oman surged 22-fold to reach $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu emphasized that this figure represents the highest level in the past decade. He shared 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 targeted $1 billion in trade by 2027.
Shoigu noted both countries have ample potential to build on this momentum and aim for new trade milestones, adding that Moscow intends to expand cooperation with Muscat in areas of mutual interest. He further stated that Russia would implement the agreements made by the two heads of state. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations, following a previous session in Muscat in November 2025.
A bilateral security cooperation roadmap covering 2026 to 2028 was expected to be signed during the Moscow talks, TASS reported. The security councils of both nations drafted this document following the Muscat meeting. Shoigu also mentioned Russia and Oman plan to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow soon, although no specific dates were provided for these openings.
Trade Growth Extends Beyond Oil
The expansion of trade between Russia and Oman started earlier in the decade, with bilateral trade increasing by 62.3% from 2020 to 2024, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that covered Shoigu’s statements. This trade now encompasses sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects have played a significant role in this growth, contributing to Russia’s broader increase in non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia commenced its first significant shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. The publication estimates Oman’s domestic poultry consumption will reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, with Russian meat and poultry producers planning to expand their market share. Oman is also working towards greater food self-sufficiency as part of its Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Business collaborations are supported by entities such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Oman as a Strategic Southern Gateway
Russia regards Oman as a key potential southern gateway to 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 has previously pointed out Oman’s strategic location for port development, highlighting the promising prospects for links between Russian and Omani ports along the North-South route. Russia’s trade strategies with India also include this corridor.
Tourism is another growing area of cooperation, with Russian visitors to Oman increasing by 87% in 2025, totaling an estimated 80,000 tourists. Both countries maintain a mutual visa-free regime, and an increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by the country’s special economic zones and ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.