MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, trade exchanges between Russia and Oman skyrocketed 22-fold to reach $1.5 billion during the initial seven months of 2026. Shoigu emphasized that this figure marks the highest level observed in the past decade. He shared these insights on October 20 during a gathering in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Previously, both nations aimed for a trade target of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu highlighted that both parties possess ample opportunity to sustain the positive trend and achieve new trade milestones. He also indicated Moscow’s intention to enhance cooperation with Muscat across various sectors of mutual interest, as well as to implement agreements established by the two heads of state. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The last round of talks was held in Muscat in November 2025.
A bilateral security cooperation roadmap for 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow talks, according to TASS. Drafted by the offices of the two security councils following the Muscat discussions, the document aims to deepen collaboration. Shoigu additionally mentioned plans for Russia and Oman to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow soon, though no specific date was provided for these openings.
Trade Growth Extends Beyond Oil and Gas
The expansion in bilateral trade began earlier in the decade, with a notable increase of 62.3% from 2020 to 2024, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that cited Shoigu’s comments. Currently, the trade volume encompasses a broad range of sectors including agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food products. The surge has been supported by Russian investments in energy, logistics, and food security projects in Oman. These figures contribute to a broader rise in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia initiated its first significant shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, as reported by the publication. Oman’s domestic consumption of poultry is projected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, prompting Russian meat and poultry producers to plan further expansion into the Omani market. Additionally, Oman is actively pursuing greater food self-sufficiency through its Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Institutions such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council continue to support strengthening economic ties.
Oman Positioned as a Strategic Southern Hub for Corridor Development
Russia considers Oman a key potential 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 has previously pointed out Oman’s strategic position as ideal for port development, emphasizing the promising prospects of links between Russian and Omani ports for the North-South route. The corridor also features prominently in Russia’s trade expansion plans with India.
Tourism constitutes another growing connection between Russia and Oman, with Russian visitor numbers increasing by 87% in 2025 to an estimated 80,000 tourists, according to the publication. Both nations benefit from a mutual visa-free agreement. A rising number of Russian businesses are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by the country’s special economic zones and major ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.