MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – The trade exchange between Russia and Oman experienced a 22-fold increase, reaching a total of $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, according to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. Shoigu highlighted that this figure marks the highest level in the past decade. These remarks were made on October 20 at a Moscow meeting with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had previously set an ambitious trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Both parties have strong prospects for further growth, with Shoigu emphasizing their ability to capitalize on current momentum and establish new trade achievements. He further indicated that Moscow intends to strengthen cooperation with Muscat across various mutual interests. Russia also plans to implement the agreements signed by the leaders of both countries. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The last such meeting occurred in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap for enhancing bilateral security collaboration for 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow talks. This document was drafted by the offices of the two security councils following the Muscat discussions. Shoigu also mentioned Russia and Oman’s plans 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 Broadening Beyond Hydrocarbons
The expansion of trade relations began earlier in this decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral trade experienced a 62.3% increase, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that also covered Shoigu’s comments. The scope of trade now encompasses agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Investment from Russia in Omani energy, logistics, and food security initiatives has contributed to this growth. These figures also reflect a broader rise in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia initiated its first significant shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, the publication reports. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is forecasted to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian meat and poultry producers are preparing to expand their market share in Oman. Additionally, Oman is seeking greater food self-sufficiency as part of its Oman Vision 2040 development strategy. Business relations are supported by entities such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Oman as a Strategic Southern Gateway for the Corridor
Oman is increasingly viewed by Russia as a key southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia to Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets within the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously highlighted Oman’s strategic position for port development, emphasizing the promising potential of links between Russian and Omani ports for the North-South route. This corridor is also part of Russia’s broader trade expansion plans with India.
Tourism also continues to grow as a significant connection. In 2025, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87%, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists. Both nations maintain a mutual visa-free regime. Furthermore, an increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by the country’s special economic zones and key ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat, the publication reports.
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