MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that trade between Russia and Oman expanded by 22 times during the initial seven months of 2026, totaling $1.5 billion. He disclosed these figures on Tuesday, October 20, during a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Shoigu highlighted that this figure marks the highest level seen in the past decade. The information was reported by Interfax news agency.
“We have every opportunity to build on this positive momentum and reach new record levels in our bilateral trade,” Shoigu stated. A 22-fold increase translates to more than a 2,000% rise compared to the same period last year. Interfax did not provide additional details about the discussions between the two security officials. This meeting underscores a year of frequent economic exchanges between Moscow and Muscat.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov mentioned that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the first months of 2026. He also noted that Russian exports to Oman increased tenfold over the same period. The trade volume had already grown by 62.3% from 2020 to 2024. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects have contributed to this upward trend. Additionally, private-sector collaborations are expanding through entities like the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Food and energy sectors diversify bilateral trade
Trade relations now encompass sectors beyond hydrocarbons, including agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food. Russia’s initial large-scale shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman started in 2025. Rising Omani demand for meat is driven by population growth and increased income levels, with poultry being particularly favored. Domestic poultry consumption in Oman is forecasted to reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Leading Russian producers are planning to expand their market presence.
Oman aims for 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture sector projected to reach a value of $2.86 billion by 2030. As a leading global exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, Russia is well-positioned to meet this demand and provide farm machinery. Energy cooperation includes liquefied natural gas technologies, petrochemical supply chains, and oil-field equipment. Oman’s investments in green hydrogen could attract Russian expertise in ammonia. In 2025, Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials.
Russian shipping increasingly utilizes Oman’s ports
Oman is seen by Russia as a strategic southern hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor, linking Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin described the port connections between Russia and Oman as highly promising for the route. He also emphasized Oman’s strategic location as a gateway to other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Over 30 ships previously registered to Russian firms, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged under Oman’s registry.
Russian companies are also establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by simplified corporate regulations and special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat provide efficient infrastructure for traders. A visa-free travel agreement between the two nations came into effect in July 2025, boosting tourism and business exchanges. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 have further enhanced its appeal for foreign investors. Shoigu expressed optimism that both countries could set new trade records in the near future.