MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – Russia’s trade with Oman has reached its highest level in a decade, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said on October 20. Bilateral trade grew 22-fold to $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026. Shoigu gave the figures at talks in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, who heads Oman’s National Security Council as Secretary General. The result already exceeds the $1 billion target the two countries had set for 2027.
Shoigu said Russia and Oman have all the opportunities they need to extend the positive trend and reach new record levels. He said Moscow would develop cooperation with Muscat in areas of mutual interest and implement agreements reached by the two heads of state. The meeting was held as part of interagency consultations between the two security councils. The previous round was held in Muscat in November 2025.
TASS reported that a roadmap for deeper security cooperation covering 2026 to 2028 was expected to be signed during the talks. The press service of Russia’s Security Council said it aims to improve the bilateral legal and treaty framework. Shoigu also announced plans to open military attaché offices at the Russian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani Embassy in Moscow. He said this would happen in the near future.
Food and energy drive new trade links
Trade between the two countries had already grown by 62.3% in the four years to 2024, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, which published Shoigu’s comments. Hydrocarbons remain important, but exchanges now also include agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery and IT services. Maritime logistics and food commodities are also part of the mix. Russian investment in Omani energy and logistics projects has supported the growth. The trend matches a broader rise in Russian non-energy exports in 2026.
Russia started large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. Oman’s demand for meat is rising with population growth and higher incomes. Domestic poultry consumption is forecast at 102,000 tonnes in 2026, the publication said. Oman’s agriculture market is projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030. Russian exporters of grain, poultry and processed food see room to grow in the market as Oman works towards greater food self-sufficiency.
Ports and tourism strengthen ties
Moscow sees Oman as a southern hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor. The corridor connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf and East Africa. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has called Oman’s location highly beneficial for port development. He has said the ports could open access to other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Russia has also discussed the corridor in trade talks with India.
Tourism has become another bridge between the two countries. The number of Russian visitors to Oman rose by 87% in 2025 to an estimated 80,000, according to the publication. The two countries apply a mutual visa-free regime. More Russian companies are registering subsidiaries in Oman to access its special economic zones. The publication cited competitive infrastructure at the ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar and Muscat as a further draw.