Strategic affairs expert Major Maroof Raza passes away after prolonged illness

New Delhi, Feb 26: Major Maroof Raza (Retd.), one of India’s most respected strategic affairs experts, defence commentators, and a familiar face on national television, passed away today at the age of 66. He breathed his last at Fortis Hospital in Gurugram following a prolonged battle with serious health issues, including cancer and a severe lung infection that had placed him in critical care and on life support in recent days.

A funeral service is scheduled for tomorrow, February 27, 2026, at Anjuman Baghiya, Sector 56, Gurugram, followed by a military memorial service at the same venue.

Major Maroof Raza is survived by his family and leaves behind a legacy of integrity, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to India’s security discourse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences on his passing.

Taking to micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said: “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”.