MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – In the first seven months of 2026, commerce between Russia and Oman experienced a remarkable increase, reaching $1.5 billion, a 22-fold rise, as stated by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. He explained that this figure marks the highest trade volume in the past decade. Shoigu made these comments on October 20 during a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations previously aimed for a trade target of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that both parties have substantial potential to build on this positive trend and set new trade milestones. He also indicated that Moscow intends to strengthen cooperation with Muscat in areas of common interest and fulfill the agreements established by the two leaders. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The last round of talks was held in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap for intensifying bilateral security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 was expected to be signed during the Moscow meetings. This document was drafted by the offices of the two security councils after the Muscat dialogue. Shoigu further mentioned that Russia and Oman plan to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow in the near future, though no specific date was provided for these openings.
Trade Broadens Beyond Oil and Gas
The expansion of trade between the two countries began earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral trade grew by 62.3%, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that covered Shoigu’s remarks. The report highlights that trade now encompasses sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food products. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security initiatives have contributed significantly to this growth. These figures reflect a broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
The publication also noted that Russia initiated its first large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. Oman’s domestic poultry consumption is expected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Russian producers of meat and poultry are planning to expand their market presence there. Additionally, Oman is working toward greater food self-sufficiency as part of its Oman Vision 2040 development strategy. The Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council are among the organizations supporting these commercial ties.
Oman as a Key Southern Gateway for Infrastructure Corridor
Russia considers Oman a strategic potential southern access point for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which links Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets in the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously highlighted Oman’s advantageous port location, noting the promising prospects of port development projects linking Russian and Omani ports for the North-South route. This corridor also features prominently in Russia’s trade strategies with India.
Tourism is another growing connection between the nations. In 2025, Russian arrivals to Oman increased by 87%, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists, according to the report. Both countries maintain a visa-free agreement. 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.