MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – Trade between Russia and Oman surged 22-fold to $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, as reported by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. Shoigu emphasized that this figure marks the highest trade volume in the past decade. His comments 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 a goal of reaching $1 billion in trade by 2027.
According to Shoigu, both parties possess ample opportunities to build upon this positive momentum and establish new trade milestones. He also indicated Moscow’s intention to expand cooperation with Muscat in areas of mutual interest and to implement the agreements made by the leaders of both countries. The Security Council’s press service characterized the discussions as interagency consultations, with the last round held in Muscat in November 2025.
A plan for strengthening bilateral security collaboration from 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the Moscow talks, as reported by TASS. This document was drafted by the offices of the two security councils after the Muscat negotiations. Shoigu additionally mentioned 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 Expansion Beyond Oil and Gas
The expansion of trade relations has been underway since 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 reported Shoigu’s remarks. Currently, trade 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 contributed significantly to this growth. These figures are part of a broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia initiated its first major shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, the publication noted. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is expected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, prompting Russian meat and poultry producers to consider expanding their market presence. Additionally, Oman is pursuing greater food self-sufficiency under its Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Various institutions, including the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council, actively promote economic ties.
Oman as a Strategic Southern Gateway in Transport Routes
Russia perceives Oman as a promising southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets across the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously highlighted Oman’s strategic port development potential, emphasizing that links between Russian and Omani ports hold significant promise for the North-South route. This corridor also features prominently in Russia’s trade expansion plans with India.
Tourism is another sector witnessing growth between the two nations. Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists, according to the publication. Both countries operate a mutual visa-free regime, facilitating travel. Furthermore, an increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by its special economic zones and key ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.