Tributes Flow After Maroof Raza, Army’s Face In Public Discourse, Loses Battle To Cancer; PM Offers Condolences

Gurugram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who offered condolences at the passing of security analyst and commentator Major Maroof Raza (Retd).

“Shri Maroof Raza Ji made a rich contribution to the world of journalism. He enriched public discourse with his nuanced understanding of defence, national security, as well as strategic affairs. Pained by his passing. Condolences to his family and friends,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.

Raza, the man who had turned into the Indian Army’s face in public discourse over the last several years, lost his battle to cancer on Thursday. He was well respected for his unbiased and indepth views on the security situation being faced by the country.

Raza was 66 and breathed his last in Gurugram, his family said, as reported by The New Indian Express.

Raza served in counter-insurgency operations in northeastern India before transitioning into academia, writing and television commentary, where he became widely known for explaining complex military and strategic issues to the public.

He was born into a military family, and was educated at Mayo College before graduating in History from St Stephen’s College. He was commissioned into the Grenadiers regiment, and later served as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy, from where he had passed out in 1980.

Raza pursued higher studies in strategic affairs after resigning his commission, earning a master’s degree in War Studies from King’s College London and an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.

He became a familiar face on prime time television debates, offering what many described as the “soldier’s perspective” on national security, particularly on issues related to the Line of Control with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China. Known for his clarity and oratory skills, he was widely respected for bridging the gap between military doctrine and public understanding.

He authored several books, including Low Intensity Conflicts (1995), Wars and No Peace Over Kashmir (1996), Kashmir’s Untold Story: Declassified (2019), and Contested Lands: India, China and the Boundary Dispute (2021).