New Delhi: Defence expert, author and commentator Maroof Raza passed away on Thursday, February 26, at the age of 67. A retired Indian Army officer, he had wide experience in counter insurgency operations and later built a strong public profile as a strategic affairs analyst.
Raza became a familiar face on television debates and defence discussions. He served as Consulting Editor on strategic affairs at Times Now and earlier worked as NDTV’s first defence correspondent. Journalists across networks expressed grief at his demise. Rajdeep Sardesai wrote on X that many viewers would remember Raza for his distinctive style and knowledge on defence issues. Vishnu Som of NDTV described him as a close friend and colleague who encouraged him to push himself and excel. He recalled working closely with Raza and Surya Gangadharan during the early years of defence reporting, and remembered him as generous in praise and kind in conduct.
An alumnus of Mayo College in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Raza served as School Captain in the Batch of 1975. The Mayo College Old Boys’ Society mourned his passing and described his life as one marked by service, scholarship, and leadership. The society noted his career as a retired Army officer with experience in counter insurgency operations and his later role as a respected expert on national security. It also referred to his Times of India Fellowship, visiting fellowships at global institutions, and his academic and professional contributions to national security discourse. The society extended condolences to his family and said his legacy would inspire future generations of Mayoites.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and said Raza made a rich contribution to journalism. He stated that Raza enriched public discourse through his nuanced understanding of defence, national security, and strategic affairs. The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and friends. With his passing, India loses a prominent defence voice who shaped conversations on security and strategy for decades.
