MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – Russia’s trade with Oman has achieved its highest level in ten years, according to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on October 20. Bilateral trade increased 22-fold to $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu presented these figures during discussions in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. This outcome already surpasses the $1 billion goal that both nations had set for 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that Russia and Oman possess all the necessary opportunities to sustain the positive momentum and set new records. He stated that Moscow plans to enhance cooperation with Muscat in areas of mutual interest and to implement agreements reached by the two heads of state. The meeting took place as part of interagency consultations between the two security councils, the previous session having been held in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap for intensified security collaboration covering 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the discussions. The press service of Russia’s Security Council indicated that the goal is to strengthen the bilateral legal and treaty framework. Shoigu also revealed plans to establish military attaché offices at the Russian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani Embassy in Moscow, which he said would happen soon.
Food and energy resources propel new trade growth
Trade between the two nations had already expanded by 62.3% over four years leading up to 2024, based on Russia’s Pivot to Asia, which published Shoigu’s remarks. While hydrocarbons remain crucial, exchanges now also encompass agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, and IT services. Maritime logistics and food commodities are increasingly part of the trade mix. Russian investments in Omani energy and logistics initiatives have contributed to this growth. This pattern aligns with a broader rise in Russian non-energy exports in 2026.
In 2025, Russia began sending large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. As Oman’s population grows and incomes rise, its demand for meat also increases. The country’s domestic poultry consumption is projected at 102,000 tonnes in 2026, according to the publication. Oman’s agriculture market is expected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030. Russian grain, poultry, and processed food exporters see potential for growth as Oman moves toward greater food self-sufficiency.
Ports and tourism foster stronger connections
Moscow regards Oman as a key southern hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which links Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin described Oman’s strategic location as highly advantageous for port development, noting that such ports could facilitate access to other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. The corridor has also been discussed in trade talks with India.
Tourism has become another crucial link between the two nations. In 2025, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87%, reaching an estimated 80,000 travelers, according to the publication. Both countries maintain a mutual visa-free regime. More Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman to access its special economic zones. The publication also highlighted the competitive infrastructure at the ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat as additional attractions.