MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, trade between Russia and Oman soared 22 times to reach $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu highlighted that this figure marks the highest level in the past decade. His remarks 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 scope to build on this positive momentum and achieve new trade milestones. He also stated that Moscow intends to deepen cooperation with Muscat in sectors of mutual interest. Furthermore, Russia will implement the agreements reached by the leaders of both countries. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations, with the last round of talks held in Muscat in November 2025.
A comprehensive plan for enhancing bilateral security collaboration from 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow meetings, according to TASS. The draft of this document was prepared by the offices of the two security councils following the Muscat negotiations. Shoigu also mentioned that Russia and Oman are planning to establish military attaché offices at their embassies in Muscat and Moscow in the near future, although no specific dates were provided for these openings.
Trade Growth Extends Beyond Oil and Gas
The upward trend in trade began earlier in the decade. From 2020 to 2024, bilateral trade increased by 62.3%, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that cited Shoigu’s statements. Today, trade encompasses a range of sectors including agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects have contributed significantly to this expansion. These figures support the broader rise in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
The publication noted that in 2025, Russia commenced its first substantial shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. It is also projected that Oman’s domestic poultry consumption will reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian producers of meat and poultry are looking to expand their footprint in this market. Additionally, Oman aims to increase food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Support for strengthening commercial relations is provided by institutions such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Oman as a Key Southern Hub for the Corridor
Russia considers Oman a promising southern gateway 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 are highly promising for the North-South route. This corridor also features prominently in Russia’s trade strategies with India.
Another aspect of growing cooperation involves tourism. In 2025, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87%, totaling an estimated 80,000 tourists, according to the publication. Both countries facilitate a mutual visa-free arrangement. A rising number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by Oman’s special economic zones and key ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.