MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Bilateral commerce between Russia and Oman hit $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, marking the highest level in ten years, according to Sergei Shoigu. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council stated that trade had increased 22-fold over this period. He made these remarks on Tuesday, October 20, during discussions in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Interfax news agency confirmed the figures.
Shoigu emphasized that both nations have ample opportunities to build on this positive trend and set new records in their trade relationship. The growth follows a consistent expansion that started in 2020. Over the four years leading up to 2024, trade increased by 62.3%, and this upward trajectory continued through 2025 and into 2026. No additional details about the security discussions between Shoigu and Al-Kindi were disclosed.
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 had grown tenfold. The growth has been supported by Russian investments in Oman’s energy, logistics, and food security sectors. Business ties are further strengthening through entities such as the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Expansion of Meat and Grain Trade Strengthens Economic Links
Today, the trade portfolio extends well beyond oil and gas, encompassing agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russia initiated its first large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. Increasing incomes and population growth are boosting Omani demand for meat, especially poultry. In 2026, poultry consumption in Oman is projected at 102,000 metric tonnes. Major Russian producers plan to increase their market presence in response.
Oman aims to achieve 70% food self-sufficiency, and its agriculture sector is projected to be worth $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, a top exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, is well-positioned to meet this demand. In the energy sector, both countries see potential collaboration in liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and oil-field services. Oman’s green hydrogen initiatives could also benefit from Russian expertise in ammonia production. In 2025, Oman’s foreign trade totaled 40.4 billion rials.
Muscat Positions Itself as a Strategic Hub for Russian Enterprises
Moscow considers Oman as the southern gateway of the International North-South Transport Corridor, which links Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin described the connection between Russian and Omani ports as highly promising for the route. He also highlighted Oman’s strategic location for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Over 30 ships previously registered to Russian firms, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged to Oman.
An increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by simplified corporate regulations and special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure. The introduction of a visa-free regime in July 2025 has further eased travel between the two nations. Oman’s ongoing economic reforms under Oman Vision 2040 continue to draw foreign investment. Shoigu expressed optimism that bilateral trade could reach new heights in the near future.