Tributes pour in as Maroof Raza dies, PM Modi hails his ‘rich contribution’ to journalism

In his message, the Prime Minister said that Raza made a significant contribution in the field of Journalism.

Published on: Feb 27, 2026, 09:52:20 IST

Edited by Shivya Kanojia

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of journalist Maroof Raza, 66, who had been undergoing treatment for cancer and died on February 26 in Gurugram.

Maroof Raza, 66, had been undergoing treatment for cancer and died on February 26 in Gurugram. (X@LestWeForgetIN)

In his message, the Prime Minister said that Raza made a significant contribution in the field of Journalism, especially in the areas of defence and strategic affairs.

Sharing his message on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “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”

Expressing his grief, the Prime Minister said he was pained by the loss. He also conveyed his sympathies to the late journalist’s family and friends.

Who was Maroof Raza?

Renowned defence expert and former Army officer Maroof Raza was widely known for his sharp insight into national security, counter-insurgency operations and India-Pakistan relations.

Over the years, he became a familiar and trusted voice on strategic affairs. His contribution to the growth of strategic journalism in India is considered significant and lasting, according to a report by The Sunday Guardian.

Service in the Indian Army

Born in 1959, Raza joined the Indian Army in 1980. He served until 1994. During his military career, he was part of the Grenadiers regiment and later the Mechanised Infantry, the report further added.

His experience in counter-insurgency operations shaped his understanding of terrorism, border disputes and regional security challenges. His time on the ground gave depth and authority to his later analysis as a defence commentator.

After leaving the Army, Raza built a reputation as a disciplined and balanced analyst. He was known for his measured views and intellectual rigour. Both military officers and civilians respected him for his impartial approach and clear thinking.

His work in the field of defence reporting and analysis has left a mark on Indian journalism. He will be remembered for bringing serious strategic discussion into the public domain with clarity and responsibility.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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