MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – The Security Council of Russia announced that trade relations with Oman expanded significantly, reaching $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026—an increase of 22 times compared to previous periods. According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, this figure marks the highest level of trade 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 had previously targeted $1 billion in trade by 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that both sides possess ample opportunities to build upon this momentum and set new records in trade. He also stated that Moscow intends to foster cooperation with Muscat across sectors of mutual interest, and that Russia will implement the agreements established by their leaders. The Security Council’s press service referred to the discussions as interagency consultations, following a previous meeting held in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap outlining the expansion of bilateral security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 was expected to be signed during the Moscow talks. This document was drafted by the offices of both security councils after the Muscat meeting. Additionally, Shoigu indicated 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 opening dates were provided.
Trade Diversifies Beyond Energy Resources
The upward trend in trade began earlier in the decade. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral commerce grew by 62.3%, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, a business publication that highlighted Shoigu’s remarks. The expansion now encompasses sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food products. Russian investments in Omani projects related to energy, logistics, and food security have played a significant role in fueling this growth. The trade figures contribute to a broader increase in Russia’s non-resource exports this year.
The publication noted that Russia initiated its first substantial shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. It is projected that Oman’s domestic poultry consumption will reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, prompting Russian meat and poultry producers to plan for further market expansion. Oman’s government is also working towards greater food self-sufficiency under the Oman Vision 2040 development plan. Initiatives such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Oman-Russia Business Council continue to promote economic cooperation between the two nations.
Oman Positioned as a Key Southern Hub for Transport Corridor
Russia considers Oman a strategic southern access point for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, and markets in the Gulf and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has previously underscored Oman’s strategic port development potential, describing links between Russian and Omani ports as highly promising for the North-South route. This corridor is also part of Russia’s broader trade ambitions with India.
Another area of expanding cooperation is tourism. According to the publication, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, totaling an estimated 80,000 tourists. Both countries benefit from a mutual visa-free arrangement, and an increasing number of Russian companies are establishing branches in Oman, attracted by the country’s special economic zones and key ports at Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat.
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