Col Ajay K Raina was born in 1969 in Jammu where he completed his school and college education. In 1947, his family was forced to migrate from Kalakot, Bagh (now in POJK).

He was commissioned into 93 Field Regiment in December 1990 and had the privilege of commanding the same regiment from 2007 to 2008. 

He was awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) while serving in an RR (Rashtriya Rifles) battalion somewhere in Northern Kashmir in 2006. Took pre-mature retirement in 2017.

He is the Founder-Trustee of Military History Research Foundation (Regd), India and has authored and edited a total of 29 Books, mostly related to military history and allied subjects.  Some of these books have been translated into various Indian languages.

He contributes regularly to newspapers and online portals and is a well-known face on the social media platforms that deal with history, geopolitics and international affairs.

He is a motivational speaker, a well-established panelist and has hosted high profile debates on stage.