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{{BLP sources|date=April 2018}}
{{Short description|Indian soldier and journalist (1959–2026)}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2016}}  
{{Sources|date=February 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2026}}  
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = Major (Retd.)
| name          = Maroof Raza
| honorific_suffix = (7 May 1959 – 26 February 2026)
| image        =
| caption      = Maroof Raza
| birth_date    = {{Birth date|1959|5|7|df=yes}}
| death_date    = {{Death date and age|2026|2|26|1959|5|7|df=yes}}
| birth_place  =
| death_place  = [[Gurugram]], India
| placeofburial = [[New Delhi]], India
| allegiance    = {{flagicon|India}} India
| branch        = [[File:Flag of Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Indian Army]]
| unit          = [[File:Grenadiers Insignia (India).svg|20px]] [[The Grenadiers]]
| battles      =
| serviceyears  = 1980–1994
| rank          = [[File:Major_of_the_Indian_Army.svg|15px]] [[Major (military rank)|Major]]
| alma_mater    = [[Mayo_College]]<br>[[St Stephen's College, Delhi]]<br>[[Indian Military Academy]]<br>[[King's College, London]]<br>[[Cambridge University]].
| servicenumber =
}}
'''Maroof Raza''' (7 May 1959 – 26 February 2026) was an [[Indian Army]] officer with experience in counter-insurgency operations. He had  more than 20 years of experience as a mentor, anchor, correspondent, lecturer, writer and a commentator on issues of National Security and Strategic Affairs.


'''Maroof Raza''' (born 1959) is a retired [[Indian Army]] officer with experience in counter-insurgency operations. He is a well known media commentator on global, military and security issues. His ‘talks’ range from the ‘threats of terrorism’ to India-Pakistan and the
==Education==
Kashmir issue, Sino-Indian relations, and what India should do to become a great power. He also lectures on ‘Leadership Lessons from the armed forces’. His most
Raza was educated at [[Mayo College]], [[Ajmer]]<ref name="tnie">{{Cite news |last= Online Desk|first= |date=27 February 2026 |title=Major Maroof Raza, who brought the soldier’s voice to public discourse, passes away |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/27/major-maroof-raza-who-brought-the-soldiers-voice-to-public-discourse-passes-away |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260227102130/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/27/major-maroof-raza-who-brought-the-soldiers-voice-to-public-discourse-passes-away |archive-date=27 February 2026 |access-date=2 March 2026 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and subsequently graduated with in History from [[St Stephen's College, Delhi]], had an M.A. in War Studies from [[King's College, London]], and an M.Phil in International Relations from [[Cambridge University]].
recent book is titled 'Contested Lands: India, China and the Boundary Dispute' (Westland 2021). His earlier books include " Kashmir's untold story" along with Iqbal
 
Malhotra (Bloomsbury,2019) and Confronting Terrorism (Penguin 2020), among other works..
==Career==
 
===Armed forces===
Raza served in the Indian Army from 1980 to 1994. He served in the [[The Grenadiers|Grenadiers]] and the [[Mechanised Infantry Regiment]]. Later he was appointed as an instructor at the [[Indian Military Academy]].
 
===Fellowship===
In 1994, he was awarded the Times of India Fellowship. He held Visiting Fellowships at the [[Centre for Policy Research]], Delhi, at the [[Stimson Center|Henry L. Stimson Centre]], Washington and at the War Studies Department of [[King's College, London]].<ref name=maroofrazawebsite /> Between 1998 and 2007, He was a visiting professor at [[Middlesex University]] and its Regional Director (for South Asia). He continued to lecture extensively in India and abroad on India's Security Concerns, until his death.  
 
===Anchor===


Maroof is often invited to address gatherings of corporate leaders and senior members at military/academic institutions on a range of issues by invitation of FICCI
Raza anchored and presented many TV series showcasing Indian Defence and National security themes over two decades. Some of the popular multi episode TV series shows he has anchored include "Line of Duty", "Latitude", "India Risk Report" and "The Defenders".
and CII, as also by Goldman Sachs (India), Citibank, Deloitte, YPOs, YI-CII bodies, at the Civil Services Academy, Mussoorie at India’s National Defence College,
Delhi, and at events organised by ISB, OSB, SpeakIn, and at certain Lit-Fests. He has also spoken at institutions in the US, UK and in the Gulf countries.Maroof has
lectured to large Corporate gatherings, at India's military training establishment, the foreign service and civil services, on geo strategic issues, military history and
leadership; as also overseas.


Currently a Consulting Editor (Strategic Affairs) for the Times TV network, where he hosts the weekend a strategic affairs tv show, "Latitude" on Times Now.
For [[Times Now]], he anchored a 20-part series on the Indian armed forces, titled ''Line of Duty''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/the-stigma-attached-to-the-arms-business-must-go-away-maroof-raza-115010300573_1.html |title=The stigma attached to the arms business must go away: Maroof Raza &#124; Business Standard News |publisher=Business-standard.com |date=3 January 2015 |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref>  An episode from this series, on the [[Siachen Glacier]] won an Award in the military documentary section at the Film Festival in Rome in 2005. This TV series has entered the ''[[Limca Book of Records]]'' as India's first military reality show.
Additionally he also hosts a weekly show, ' The Defenders' on Sansad tv. He also appears regularly on prime time tv shows on Times TV networks many tv
 
channels. His recentTV series on 'Tales of Valour' on Times Now and Mirror Now, is now also available on Discovery plus channel. Both these series (of 12
For Times Now, he anchored a strategic affairs show titled [http://www.timesnow.tv/Weekend-Shows-/Latitude/videolist/4426271.cms "Latitude"] between the years 2013 and 2023.
episodes each) won the top awards as long forwmat tv shows. His earlier TV series on the 'Line of Duty' is in the Limca Book of Records, and an episode of this won
 
an award at the Rome Film Festival in 2005. Maroof Raza is also the publisher the monthly magazine: [https://salute.co.in/ "SALUTE to the Indian soldier"].
For [[ET Now]], he anchored a bi-weekly show titled [https://iirisconsulting.com/blog/india-risk-report/ "India Risk Report"] in partnership with IIRIS Consulting.<ref name="maroofrazawebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.maroofraza.com |title=Maroof Raza |publisher=Maroof Raza |date= |access-date=11 July 2012}}</ref>
==Education==
 
Maroof was educated in India and the UK. In India at the Mayo College, Ajmer, and in St.Stephen's College, ( History Hons 1976-79) Delhi. He later did the MA in
For [[Sansad TV]], he anchored the series "The Defenders", between 2021 and 2023. The series,  over 80 episodes, showcased the strength of the Indian military, its formations and operations to the common citizen.
War Studies from King's College (1991) , London and M.Phil in International Relations from Cambridge University (1992). Maroof Raza has served in the Indian
 
army from 1980 to 1994 in The Grenadiers and the Mechanised Infantry Regiments, and as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy. He has authored several
=== Strategic Affairs Commentator===
books and his essays and articles have been published in all of India's leading publications and w as recently awarded an Hony. D.Phil by Amity University, in Noida
Raza appeared on almost all of India's leading television channels as an expert on military and security matters and on [[BBC World Service|BBC's World Service]] radio programmes. He was the Strategic Affairs Editorial Adviser to [[Times Now]] and also the Editor-at-Large of FAUJI INDIA Magazine. He was the Mentor of Security Watch India.
(U.P).
 
==Career==
===Columnist===
In 1994, he was awarded the Times of India Fellowship, and has held Visiting Fellowships at the Centre for Policy Research, Delhi, at the Henry L. Stimson Centre, Washington and at the War Studies Department of King's College, London.<ref name=maroofrazawebsite /> Between 1998 and 2007, He was a Visiting Professor at [[Middlesex University]] and its Regional Director (for South Asia). He continues to lecture extensively in India and abroad on ‘India's Security Concerns. His articles are published regularly in leading newspaper of India.
His articles were published regularly in leading newspapers of India.
He is a consultant and strategic affairs expert on [[Times Now]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/times-now-censured-for-not-revealing-defence-analyst-s-business-interests/1051671/ |title=Times Now censured for not revealing defence analyst’s business interests |publisher=Indian Express |date=2012-12-29 |access-date=2016-11-22}}</ref> Apart from his appearances on news debates, he publishes and writes for ''Salute'' magazine<ref> [https://saluteindia.org/ Salute India]</ref> And  has anchored and presented a 20 part series on the Indian armed forces, titled ''Line of Duty''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/the-stigma-attached-to-the-arms-business-must-go-away-maroof-raza-115010300573_1.html |title=The stigma attached to the arms business must go away: Maroof Raza &#124; Business Standard News |publisher=Business-standard.com |date=2015-01-03 |access-date=2016-11-22}}</ref> An episode from this series, on the [[Siachen Glacier]] won an Award in the military documentary section at the Film Festival in Rome in 2005. This TV series has entered the ''[[Limca Book of Records]]'' as India's first military reality show. He is also the anchor of a strategic affairs show called [http://www.timesnow.tv/Weekend-Shows-/Latitude/videolist/4426271.cms Latitude] and [https://iirisconsulting.com/blog/india-risk-report/ India Risk Report] for the same channel.<ref name="maroofrazawebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.maroofraza.com |title=Maroof Raza |publisher=Maroof Raza |date= |access-date=2012-07-11}}</ref>
He was a consultant and strategic affairs expert on [[Times Now]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/times-now-censured-for-not-revealing-defence-analyst-s-business-interests/1051671/ |title=Times Now censured for not revealing defence analyst’s business interests |publisher=Indian Express |date=29 December 2012 |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> Apart from his appearances on news debates, he published and wrote for ''Salute'' magazine<ref> [https://saluteindia.org/ Salute India]</ref>  
 
===Public speaker===
His in-depth knowledge, experience, and his association with leading TV channels including TIMES NOW, [[NDTV]], [[BBC]] and more made him one of the most sought-after speakers internationally on the subjects of National and International Risk and Security Affairs.
 
===Advisor===
Raza also acted on the Board of Advisers – Strategic Risk and Global Geo-Political Experts with [https://iirisconsulting.com IIRIS Consulting].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iirisconsulting.com/team/|title=IIRIS Team|website=IIRIS Consulting|page=https://iirisconsulting.com/team/|via=(By IIRIS Consulting)|access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref>.
 
===Actor===
Maroof had a guest role in 2014 Bollywood film ''[[Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Seven-reasons-why-Holiday-A-Soldier-Is-Never-Off-Duty-is-a-must-watch/articleshow/36049904.cms |title=Seven reasons why 'Holiday — A Soldier Is Never Off Duty' is a must-watch – Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date= |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref>
 
==Writing==
Raza authored and edited many books. ''Low-Intensity Conflicts: The new dimension to India’s military commitments'' and ''Wars and no Peace over Kashmir''. He edited a book titled Generals and Governments in India and Pakistan. As the General Editor of Military Affairs series of Har Anand Publications, from 2001, he edited twelve volumes. Most recently, he edited a book on Indian terrorism challenges titled Confronting Terrorism (Penguin Books, India).


Maroof Raza is the Mentor of Security Watch India. He has appeared on almost all of India's leading television channels as an expert on military and security matters and on BBC's World Service radio programmes. He is currently the Strategic Affairs Editorial Adviser to [[Times Now]]. He is also the Editor-at-Large of FAUJI INDIA Magazine.  Maroof also did a guest role in 2014 Bollywood film ''[[Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Seven-reasons-why-Holiday-A-Soldier-Is-Never-Off-Duty-is-a-must-watch/articleshow/36049904.cms |title=Seven reasons why 'Holiday — A Soldier Is Never Off Duty' is a must-watch – Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date= |access-date=2016-11-22}}</ref>
* ''Low Intensity Conflicts:'' The new dimension to India’s military commitments by Maroof Raza (Kartikeya Publications, 1995) {{ISBN|9788185823089}}
* ''Wars and No Peace Over Kashmir'': An Evolutionary Assessment of Indo-Pak Relations by Maroof Raza (Spantech & Lancer, 1996) {{ISBN|978-1897829165}}
* ''Confronting Terrorism'' by Maroof Raza (as Editor)  ([[Penguin India]], 2009) {{ISBN|9780670083695}}
* ''Generals and Governments in India & Pakistan'' by Maroof Raza (as Editor), (Har-Anand Publications, 2021) {{ISBN|978-9391504335}}
* ''Kashmir's Untold Story'' by Iqbal Chand Malhotra and Maroof Raza([[Bloomsbury Publishing]], 2021) {{ISBN|978-9390358625}}
* ''Contested Lands:'' India, China and the Boundary Dispute by Maroof Raza (Westland Non-Fiction, 2021) {{ISBN|978-9357768412}}
* ''Shourya Gatha:'' Bharat Ke Veer Senani (in Hindi) by Lt. Col. Sheodan Singh and Maroof Raza (Eka publishing, 2021) {{ISBN|978-9390679751}}
* ''Essays on Military Affairs'' by Maroof Raza (Har-Anand Publications, 2024) {{ISBN|978-8119798803}}


Maroof Raza also  acts as the Board of Adviser – Strategic Risk and Global Geo-Political Expert with [https://iirisconsulting.com IIRIS Consulting].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iirisconsulting.com/team/|title=IIRIS Team|website=IIRIS Consulting|page=https://iirisconsulting.com/team/|via=(By IIRIS Consulting https://iirisconsulting.com/team)|access-date=2018-12-07}}</ref> He comes armed with more than 20 years of experience as a mentor, anchor, correspondent, lecturer, writer and a commentator on issues of National Security and Strategic Affairs. His in-depth knowledge, experience, and his association with leading TV channels including TIMES NOW, NDTV, BBC & more makes him one of the most sought after speakers internationally on the subjects of National and International Risk and Security Affairs.
==Awards==
* ENBA 2020: "Best in-depth series" award: Raza's series "Tales of Valour" with [[Times Now|Times Network]].


He has authored two books: ''Low-Intensity Conflicts: The new dimension to India’s military commitments'' and ''Wars and no Peace over Kashmir''. He has edited a book titled Generals and Governments in India and Pakistan. As the General Editor of Military Affairs series of Har Anand Publications, since 2001, he has edited twelve volumes. Most recently, he has edited a book on Indian terrorism challenges titled Confronting Terrorism (Penguin Books, India).
==Death==
Raza died from cancer in [[Gurugram]], on 26 February 2026, at the age of 66.<ref>[https://www.timesnownews.com/india/remembering-maroof-raza-indias-most-responsible-voice-on-national-security-article-153701949  Remembering Maroof Raza, India’s Most Responsible Voice on National Security]</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 39: Line 86:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.timescontent.com/syndication-photos/reprint/news/187414/maroof-raza.html Maroof Profile]
* [https://iirisconsulting.com/blog/india-risk-report/ India Risk Report]
*[https://iirisconsulting.com/blog/india-risk-report/ India Risk Report]
* {{IMDb name|6968590}}
*[https://saluteindia.org/author/maroofraza/ Author saluteindia.org]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Raza, Maroof}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Raza, Maroof}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:2026 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian male television journalists]]
[[Category:Indian male television journalists]]
[[Category:Date of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Alumni of King's College London]]
[[Category:Alumni of King's College London]]
[[Category:Indian Army officers]]
[[Category:Indian Army officers]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in India]]

Latest revision as of 19:43, 28 March 2026


Major (Retd.)

Maroof Raza

(7 May 1959 – 26 February 2026)
Born(1959-05-07)7 May 1959
Died26 February 2026(2026-02-26) (aged 66)
Gurugram, India
Buried
New Delhi, India
AllegianceIndia India
Service/branch Indian Army
Years of service1980–1994
Rank Major
Unit The Grenadiers
Alma materMayo_College
St Stephen's College, Delhi
Indian Military Academy
King's College, London
Cambridge University.

Maroof Raza (7 May 1959 – 26 February 2026) was an Indian Army officer with experience in counter-insurgency operations. He had more than 20 years of experience as a mentor, anchor, correspondent, lecturer, writer and a commentator on issues of National Security and Strategic Affairs.

Education[edit | edit source]

Raza was educated at Mayo College, Ajmer[1] and subsequently graduated with in History from St Stephen's College, Delhi, had an M.A. in War Studies from King's College, London, and an M.Phil in International Relations from Cambridge University.

Career[edit | edit source]

Armed forces[edit | edit source]

Raza served in the Indian Army from 1980 to 1994. He served in the Grenadiers and the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. Later he was appointed as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy.

Fellowship[edit | edit source]

In 1994, he was awarded the Times of India Fellowship. He held Visiting Fellowships at the Centre for Policy Research, Delhi, at the Henry L. Stimson Centre, Washington and at the War Studies Department of King's College, London.[2] Between 1998 and 2007, He was a visiting professor at Middlesex University and its Regional Director (for South Asia). He continued to lecture extensively in India and abroad on India's Security Concerns, until his death.

Anchor[edit | edit source]

Raza anchored and presented many TV series showcasing Indian Defence and National security themes over two decades. Some of the popular multi episode TV series shows he has anchored include "Line of Duty", "Latitude", "India Risk Report" and "The Defenders".

For Times Now, he anchored a 20-part series on the Indian armed forces, titled Line of Duty.[3] An episode from this series, on the Siachen Glacier won an Award in the military documentary section at the Film Festival in Rome in 2005. This TV series has entered the Limca Book of Records as India's first military reality show.

For Times Now, he anchored a strategic affairs show titled "Latitude" between the years 2013 and 2023.

For ET Now, he anchored a bi-weekly show titled "India Risk Report" in partnership with IIRIS Consulting.[2]

For Sansad TV, he anchored the series "The Defenders", between 2021 and 2023. The series, over 80 episodes, showcased the strength of the Indian military, its formations and operations to the common citizen.

Strategic Affairs Commentator[edit | edit source]

Raza appeared on almost all of India's leading television channels as an expert on military and security matters and on BBC's World Service radio programmes. He was the Strategic Affairs Editorial Adviser to Times Now and also the Editor-at-Large of FAUJI INDIA Magazine. He was the Mentor of Security Watch India.

Columnist[edit | edit source]

His articles were published regularly in leading newspapers of India. He was a consultant and strategic affairs expert on Times Now.[4] Apart from his appearances on news debates, he published and wrote for Salute magazine[5]

Public speaker[edit | edit source]

His in-depth knowledge, experience, and his association with leading TV channels including TIMES NOW, NDTV, BBC and more made him one of the most sought-after speakers internationally on the subjects of National and International Risk and Security Affairs.

Advisor[edit | edit source]

Raza also acted on the Board of Advisers – Strategic Risk and Global Geo-Political Experts with IIRIS Consulting.[6].

Actor[edit | edit source]

Maroof had a guest role in 2014 Bollywood film Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty.[7]

Writing[edit | edit source]

Raza authored and edited many books. Low-Intensity Conflicts: The new dimension to India’s military commitments and Wars and no Peace over Kashmir. He edited a book titled Generals and Governments in India and Pakistan. As the General Editor of Military Affairs series of Har Anand Publications, from 2001, he edited twelve volumes. Most recently, he edited a book on Indian terrorism challenges titled Confronting Terrorism (Penguin Books, India).

  • Low Intensity Conflicts: The new dimension to India’s military commitments by Maroof Raza (Kartikeya Publications, 1995) ISBN 9788185823089
  • Wars and No Peace Over Kashmir: An Evolutionary Assessment of Indo-Pak Relations by Maroof Raza (Spantech & Lancer, 1996) ISBN 978-1897829165
  • Confronting Terrorism by Maroof Raza (as Editor) (Penguin India, 2009) ISBN 9780670083695
  • Generals and Governments in India & Pakistan by Maroof Raza (as Editor), (Har-Anand Publications, 2021) ISBN 978-9391504335
  • Kashmir's Untold Story by Iqbal Chand Malhotra and Maroof Raza(Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021) ISBN 978-9390358625
  • Contested Lands: India, China and the Boundary Dispute by Maroof Raza (Westland Non-Fiction, 2021) ISBN 978-9357768412
  • Shourya Gatha: Bharat Ke Veer Senani (in Hindi) by Lt. Col. Sheodan Singh and Maroof Raza (Eka publishing, 2021) ISBN 978-9390679751
  • Essays on Military Affairs by Maroof Raza (Har-Anand Publications, 2024) ISBN 978-8119798803

Awards[edit | edit source]

  • ENBA 2020: "Best in-depth series" award: Raza's series "Tales of Valour" with Times Network.

Death[edit | edit source]

Raza died from cancer in Gurugram, on 26 February 2026, at the age of 66.[8]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Online Desk (27 February 2026). "Major Maroof Raza, who brought the soldier's voice to public discourse, passes away". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 February 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Maroof Raza". Maroof Raza. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  3. ↑ "The stigma attached to the arms business must go away: Maroof Raza | Business Standard News". Business-standard.com. 3 January 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  4. ↑ "Times Now censured for not revealing defence analyst's business interests". Indian Express. 29 December 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  5. ↑ Salute India
  6. ↑ "IIRIS Team". IIRIS Consulting. p. https://iirisconsulting.com/team/. Retrieved 7 December 2018 – via (By IIRIS Consulting).
  7. ↑ "Seven reasons why 'Holiday — A Soldier Is Never Off Duty' is a must-watch – Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  8. ↑ Remembering Maroof Raza, India’s Most Responsible Voice on National Security

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maroof_Raza&oldid=460521"
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