MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – According to Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, trade between Russia and Oman surged 22 times during the first seven months of 2026, reaching a total of $1.5 billion. He revealed these figures on Tuesday, October 20, at a meeting held in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Shoigu noted that this sum is the highest recorded in the past decade. The information was reported by Interfax news agency.
Shoigu expressed optimism, stating, “We have every opportunity to build on this positive momentum and reach new record levels in our bilateral trade.” The 22-fold increase equates to over 2,000% growth compared to the same period last year. Details about the discussions between the two security officials were not provided by Interfax. This meeting is part of a series of frequent economic exchanges between Moscow and Muscat throughout the year.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov announced that bilateral trade had quadrupled during the initial months of 2026. He also reported that Russian exports to Oman increased tenfold in the same timeframe. Over the four years from 2020 to 2024, trade had already expanded by 62.3%. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects have contributed to this upward trend. The growth is further supported by private-sector collaborations facilitated through the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Food and Energy Sectors Expand Trade Relations
The scope of trade between Russia and Oman now extends beyond hydrocarbons, encompassing agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food products. Notably, Russia began shipping refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025, marking its first significant delivery. Omani demand for meat is rising, driven by population growth and increased incomes, with poultry being particularly preferred. It is projected that domestic poultry consumption in Oman will reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Leading Russian producers are planning to increase their market presence in Oman.
Oman aims to achieve 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agricultural sector expected to reach a value of $2.86 billion by 2030. As a major global exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, Russia is positioned to meet this demand and supply farm machinery. Energy cooperation includes liquefied natural gas technologies, petrochemical supply chains, and oil-field equipment. Additionally, Oman’s investments in green hydrogen are likely to attract Russian expertise in ammonia production. In 2025, Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials.
Russian Shipping Interests Focus on Oman’s Ports
Oman is increasingly viewed by Russia as a southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has highlighted the strategic importance of the link between Russian and Omani ports, considering Oman’s location as a vital hub for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and African regions. More than 30 ships previously registered to Russian companies, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged under Oman’s flag.
Russian enterprises are also establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by streamlined corporate regulations and special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure for trade activities. Since a visa-free agreement took effect in July 2025, tourism and business travel between the two nations have increased. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 further enhance its appeal to foreign investors. Shoigu expressed confidence that both countries could set new trade records in the near future.