MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – Over the past few years, trade relations between Russia and Oman have experienced remarkable growth, and in the first seven months of 2026, the total trade volume surged 22 times to reach $1.5 billion. This significant development was highlighted by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, who noted that this figure is the highest in the last decade. He made this announcement on October 20 during a Moscow meeting with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. The two nations had previously set a trade goal of $1 billion by 2027.
Shoigu expressed confidence that both countries have the capacity to sustain this positive momentum and establish new trade milestones. He added that Moscow intends to strengthen cooperation with Muscat in areas of mutual interest, as well as implement the agreements reached by the leaders of both states. The Security Council’s press service described the discussions as interagency consultations. The previous session took place in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap aimed at enhancing bilateral security cooperation from 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 revealed plans for Russia and Oman to establish military attaché offices at their respective embassies in Muscat and Moscow in the near future, although no specific dates were provided for these openings.
Trade Expansion Beyond Oil and Gas
The upward trajectory in trade began earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral trade grew by 62.3%, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that covered Shoigu’s statements. The scope of trade now encompasses sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russia’s investments in Omani energy projects, logistics, and food security initiatives have played a key role in this expansion. These figures reflect a broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
In 2025, Russia commenced 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. Russian meat and poultry producers are actively planning to grow their market share. Oman’s push for greater food self-sufficiency under the Oman Vision 2040 development plan also supports these efforts. Several institutions, including the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council, continue to promote business collaboration.
Oman Positioned as a Key Southern Gateway for Trade Routes
Russia considers Oman a strategic southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, a route connecting Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets in the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously emphasized Oman’s advantageous position for port development, noting that connections between Russian and Omani ports hold significant promise for the North-South route. This corridor also features prominently in Russia’s trade ambitions with India.
Tourism is another expanding aspect of bilateral relations. In 2025, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87%, reaching an estimated 80,000 tourists. Both nations have a mutual visa-free agreement. Additionally, an increasing number of Russian enterprises are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by the country’s special economic zones and ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat, further strengthening economic ties.