MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – On October 20, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu highlighted that trade with Oman has surged to its peak level in ten years. During the first seven months of 2026, bilateral trade increased 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. The figures already surpass the $1 billion goal set by both nations for 2027.
Shoigu emphasized that Russia and Oman possess all necessary prospects to sustain this positive momentum and push towards new record-breaking figures. He stated that Moscow intends to strengthen cooperation with Muscat across sectors of common interest and to implement the agreements made by the two heads of state. This meeting was part of ongoing interagency consultations between the security councils of both countries, with the last round taking place in Muscat in November 2025.
According to TASS, a roadmap outlining enhanced security cooperation from 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the talks. The press service of Russia’s Security Council mentioned plans to bolster the bilateral legal and treaty frameworks. Shoigu also revealed intentions to establish military attaché offices at the Russian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani Embassy in Moscow, which is expected to happen soon.
Food and energy sectors propel new trade relationships
Shoigu’s remarks, as reported by Russia’s Pivot to Asia, indicate that trade between Russia and Oman has grown by 62.3% over four years leading up to 2024. While hydrocarbons remain a vital component, exchange has expanded to include agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, and IT services. Maritime logistics and food products are also part of the expanding trade mix. Russian investments in Omani energy and logistics projects have supported this growth, aligning with the broader increase in Russia’s non-energy exports in 2026.
In 2025, Russia began large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman, responding to rising demand driven by population growth and increased income levels. The publication forecasts domestic poultry consumption at 102,000 tonnes in 2026. Oman’s agriculture market is projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030, presenting opportunities for Russian exporters of grain, poultry, and processed food as Oman seeks greater food self-sufficiency.
Ports and tourism fortify bilateral relations
Moscow considers Oman a strategic southern hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor, linking Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has underscored Oman’s advantageous geographic position for port development, emphasizing that the ports could facilitate access to other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. The corridor has also been a topic in trade discussions with India.
Tourism has emerged as another vital link between the two nations. According to reports, Russian visitors to Oman increased by 87% in 2025, reaching an estimated 80,000. Both countries maintain a mutual visa-free regime, fostering easier travel. More Russian firms are establishing subsidiaries within Oman’s special economic zones to capitalize on local opportunities. The publication also pointed to the ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat, whose robust infrastructure further enhances bilateral cooperation.