MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – The trade relationship between Russia and Oman has hit its highest point in ten years, according to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on October 20. During the first seven months of 2026, bilateral commerce surged 22-fold to reach $1.5 billion. Shoigu shared these figures in Moscow during discussions with Idris Al-Kindi, the Secretary General and head of Oman’s National Security Council. This achievement surpasses the $1 billion goal set by both nations for 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that Russia and Oman possess ample opportunities to continue this upward trajectory and set new records. He indicated that Moscow intends to expand cooperation with Muscat across sectors of mutual interest and to implement the agreements already negotiated by the two heads of state. The meeting was part of ongoing interagency consultations between the two security councils, following the previous round in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap for intensified security cooperation spanning 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the talks. The Russian Security Council’s press service stated that the goal is to enhance the bilateral legal and treaty framework. Shoigu also announced plans to establish military attaché offices at the Russian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani Embassy in Moscow, with these developments expected soon.
Food and energy sectors fuel expanding trade connections
Over the past four years leading up to 2024, trade between Russia and Oman increased by 62.3%, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, which included Shoigu’s remarks. While hydrocarbons continue to play a vital role, exchanges now extend to agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, and IT services. Maritime logistics and food products also contribute to the trade volume. Russian investments in Omani energy and logistics initiatives have bolstered this growth. The trend aligns with a broader rise in Russian non-energy exports in 2026.
In 2025, Russia began delivering large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, driven by rising demand due to population growth and increased income levels. The publication forecasted domestic poultry consumption at 102,000 tonnes for 2026. Oman’s agricultural sector is projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030, with Russian grain, poultry, and processed food exporters seeing potential for growth as Oman moves towards greater food independence.
Port development and tourism enhance bilateral bonds
Oman is considered a strategic southern hub for Russia’s International North-South Transport Corridor, which links Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has highlighted Oman’s advantageous location for port expansion, noting that such facilities could facilitate access to other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Discussions about the corridor have also taken place during trade talks with India.
Tourism has become another avenue strengthening ties. The number of Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000, according to the publication. Both nations maintain mutual visa-free regimes, encouraging travel. Additionally, more Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries within Oman’s special economic zones to access local opportunities. The publication highlighted the ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat’s infrastructure as key attractions for investors and tourists alike.