MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – On October 20, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that trade with Oman has achieved its highest level in ten years. In the first seven months of 2026, bilateral trade expanded 22-fold to reach $1.5 billion. Shoigu shared these statistics during discussions in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, who serves as Secretary General and heads Oman’s National Security Council. Notably, this figure already surpasses the $1 billion benchmark both nations aimed for by 2027.
According to Shoigu, Russia and Oman possess ample opportunities to sustain and enhance this positive momentum, aiming for new record-breaking levels. He emphasized Moscow’s commitment to developing cooperation with Muscat across sectors of mutual interest and to implementing the agreements signed by their leaders. These discussions occurred during interagency consultations between the two security councils, with the previous session having taken place in Muscat in November 2025.
A roadmap for expanding security collaboration from 2026 to 2028 is expected to be finalized during these talks, according to TASS. Russia’s Security Council press service also indicated that efforts are underway to strengthen the bilateral legal and treaty frameworks. Shoigu further revealed plans to establish military attaché offices at the Russian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani Embassy in Moscow, with these offices anticipated to be operational soon.
Trade Expansion Driven by Food and Energy Sectors
Shoigu’s comments, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, reveal that trade between the two nations increased by 62.3% over four years leading up to 2024. While hydrocarbons continue to play a vital role, exchanges now also encompass agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, and IT services. Maritime logistics and food commodities have also become significant components of the trade relationship. Russian investments in Omani energy and logistics projects have contributed to this growth, aligning with the broader rise in Russian non-energy exports in 2026.
In 2025, Russia commenced large-scale shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, driven by increasing demand from population growth and rising incomes. The publication states that domestic poultry consumption in Oman is projected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. The country’s agriculture sector is forecasted to attain a market value of $2.86 billion by 2030. Russian exporters of grain, poultry, and processed foods see expanding opportunities as Oman advances toward greater food self-sufficiency.
Ports and Tourism Fortify Bilateral Relations
Moscow regards Oman as a strategic southern hub within the International North-South Transport Corridor. This corridor links Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin highlighted the strategic advantage of Oman’s port locations, stating they could facilitate access to other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Russia has also discussed the corridor’s potential during trade talks with India.
Tourism has emerged as another bridge, with the number of Russian visitors to Oman increasing by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000, according to the publication. Both countries maintain a mutual visa-free agreement. Additionally, more Russian firms are establishing subsidiaries in Oman to leverage its special economic zones. The publication also notes the attractive infrastructure at ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat as further incentives for investment and collaboration.