MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – The Russian Security Council, represented by Secretary Sergei Shoigu, announced that trade between Russia and Oman surged 22 times during the first seven months of 2026, totaling $1.5 billion. Shoigu disclosed these figures on Tuesday, October 20, during a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. He highlighted that this amount is the highest recorded 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. The 22-fold increase translates to an over 2,000% rise compared to the same period last year. Interfax did not provide additional details regarding the discussions between the two security officials. The meeting underscores a year marked by frequent economic exchanges between Moscow and Muscat.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov mentioned that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the initial months of 2026. He also noted that Russian exports to Oman increased tenfold during the same timeframe. From 2020 to 2024, trade had already risen by 62.3%. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security initiatives have supported this upward trend. Private sector connections are expanding through organizations such as the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Trade Expands from Hydrocarbons to Food and Industry
Today, trade relations encompass more than just hydrocarbons, including sectors like agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food. Russia began delivering large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. The Omani population’s growing numbers and increased income levels have led to higher demand for meat, particularly poultry. Domestic poultry consumption in Oman is expected to reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Major Russian producers are planning to strengthen their market presence.
Oman aims to achieve 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture sector projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, a leading global exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, is well-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 could attract Russian expertise in ammonia production. In 2025, Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials.
Russian Shipping Ventures Benefit from Oman Ports
Oman is viewed by Russia as a strategic southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting 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 this route. He also emphasized Oman’s strategic location as a hub for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Over 30 ships previously registered to Russian companies such as Sovcomflot and FESCO have re-flagged to Oman.
Russian enterprises are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by simplified corporate laws and special economic zones. Ports like Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat provide competitive infrastructure for traders. A visa-free agreement between the two nations, effective since July 2025, has bolstered tourism and business interactions. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 have further increased its attractiveness for foreign investors. Shoigu expressed optimism that both nations could set new trade records in the future.