Carrying Forward a Legacy of Strategic Clarity
The Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies is established in memory of Late Maroof Raza, to ensure the conversations he championed continue with the same rigour, the same seriousness, and the same long-term national purpose.
As an Advisory Leader at IIRIS, his contribution went beyond counsel. He helped shape a way of thinking, one that approached risk with responsibility and strategy with foresight. This Centre is a step toward institutionalising that vision.
It serves as a platform for research, dialogue, and engagement on issues of geopolitical risk, national security, and emerging global challenges, building credible, enduring institutions that nurture the next generation of strategic thinkers.
To build a credible and enduring platform that advances strategic thinking, strengthens risk awareness, and nurtures future leaders in security and geopolitical affairs.
Five domains of enduring consequence.
Geopolitical Risk & Global Affairs
National Security & Defence Strategy
Corporate Risk & Strategic Preparedness
Policy Dialogue & Thought Leadership
Youth Engagement & Academic Collaboration
Maroof Raza
He brought intellectual sharpness without theatrics, conviction without noise, and patriotism anchored in responsibility.
Maroof Raza was one of India's most authoritative voices on defence and geopolitical affairs, a former officer of the Indian Army, a scholar shaped by St. Stephen's College, Delhi, King's College London, and the University of Cambridge, and a broadcaster whose clarity on Times Now became a benchmark for serious security discourse.
He served in the Grenadiers and Mechanised Infantry, taught at the Indian Military Academy, and lectured at the NDA, NDC, and LBSNAA. His pioneering documentary series Line of Duty entered the Limca Book of Records. As publisher of SALUTE to the Indian Soldier, he ensured the stories of India's armed forces reached the widest possible audience.
As a Strategic Risk Advisor and Member of the Board of Advisors at IIRIS Consulting, and through the India Risk Report on ET Now, he championed the cause of national and corporate preparedness, bringing together leaders from industry and government to examine the risks shaping India's future. His contributions were not episodic. They were sustained, principled, and irreplaceable.
He passed away on February 26, 2026 · He is deeply missed
Maroof Raza
Annual Dialogue
A gathering for reflection & forward thinking.
A gathering designed to bring together leaders, experts, and young voices in a shared space for reflection and forward thinking — a tribute to a life that defined clarity in moments of uncertainty and conviction in matters of national importance.
This is not simply an event. It is a continuation of the conversations he believed were essential.
Programmes & Initiatives.
IIRIS Scholarships
Supporting research in geopolitical affairs and enabling young scholars to engage meaningfully with real-world strategic challenges.
Strategic Partnerships
In discussion with the United Service Institution, Centre for Land Warfare Studies, and other leading institutions, to deepen the Centre's research and dialogue ecosystem.
Annual University Debate Initiative
A nationwide debate programme for students across India, with online preliminary rounds.
PhD Sponsorship
The Centre will sponsor one PhD scholar annually to invest in the next generation of serious strategic thinkers who will carry forward the rigour and purpose that defined Maroof Raza's life's work.
Annual Essay Writing Competition
The competition invites young thinkers to engage seriously with questions of national security, geopolitics, and strategic affairs in the spirit of informed, rigorous discourse that Maroof Raza exemplified throughout his life.
In an uncertain world,
clarity is not optional.
In an increasingly uncertain world, the ability to understand, anticipate, and respond to risk is no longer optional; it is essential.
Maroof Raza consistently advocated for deeper awareness, sharper thinking, and more responsible discourse around security and strategy. This Centre, and its initiatives, are built to ensure that its approach continues to inform how institutions and individuals engage with these challenges.
Some men fill a room when they walk in. And then some men fill the room even after they are gone. Maroof Raza was the latter.
Carrying forward a legacy
that continues to guide.
Join us in shaping conversations that matter, and in carrying forward a legacy that continues to guide India's strategic community.