MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced on October 20 that trade with Oman has reached its peak in ten years. In the first seven months of 2026, bilateral commerce surged 22-fold to $1.5 billion. Shoigu shared these statistics during discussions in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Notably, this figure surpasses the $1 billion goal set by both nations for 2027.
According to Shoigu, Russia and Oman possess ample opportunities to sustain this positive momentum and push toward new record levels. He emphasized that Moscow aims to deepen cooperation with Muscat across sectors of mutual interest and to follow through on agreements made by the two heads of state. These talks took place during interagency consultations between the two security councils, the previous round of which was held in Muscat in November 2025.
TASS reported that an agreement for an enhanced security cooperation roadmap covering 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the discussions. The press service of Russia’s Security Council indicated its intention to strengthen the legal and treaty frameworks governing bilateral relations. Shoigu also revealed plans to establish military attaché offices at the Russian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani Embassy in Moscow, stating that this development was imminent.
Trade Expansion Fueled by Food and Energy Sectors
According to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, Shoigu’s remarks show that bilateral trade had already increased by 62.3% over four years ending in 2024. While hydrocarbons remain a key component, there is now significant exchange in agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, and IT services. Maritime logistics and food commodities also contribute to this trade growth. Russian investments in Oman’s energy and logistics sectors have played a role in boosting trade. This upward trend aligns with a broader increase in Russian non-energy exports in 2026.
In 2025, Russia began large-scale shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. As Oman’s population grows and incomes rise, so does its demand for meat. The publication estimates domestic poultry consumption will reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Furthermore, Oman’s agricultural sector is projected to hit $2.86 billion by 2030. Russian exporters of grain, poultry, and processed foods see opportunities to expand as Oman advances toward greater food self-sufficiency.
Ports and Tourism Enhance Strategic Relations
Moscow views Oman as a southern hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor, a route linking Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has highlighted Oman’s strategic location as advantageous for port development, noting the potential to access other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Discussions about the corridor also featured in trade talks with India.
Tourism has emerged as another vital link. The number of Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000, according to the report. Both countries have mutual visa-free arrangements, facilitating travel. Additionally, more Russian firms are establishing subsidiaries in Oman to leverage its special economic zones. The publication pointed to the efficient infrastructure at ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat as key factors attracting investment and visitors alike.