Former Army Chief General Vishwa Nath Sharma Cremated With Full Military Honours in New Delhi

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 1, 2026 — The last rites of former Chief of Army Staff General Vishwa Nath Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, were performed with full military honours at the Brar Square Crematorium in New Delhi Cantonment today. The 14th Army Chief passed away on July 31 at the age of 96. Serving Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth laid a ceremonial wreath on behalf of all ranks of the Indian Army to pay tribute to the distinguished military leader.

The funeral ceremony brought together high-ranking military officers, civil dignitaries, veterans, and family members. Notable attendees paying their final respects included Mizoram Governor General VK Singh (Retd.), former Chief of Defence Staff, former Service Chiefs, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The solemn occasion drew citizens and serving personnel from across the nation to honour one of the most respected figures in India’s military history.

Born in London on June 4, 1930, General Sharma hailed from a family with a profound legacy of national service. He was the younger brother of Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration. Commissioned into the 16th Light Cavalry on June 4, 1950, General Sharma became the first President’s Commissioned Officer to rise to the position of Chief of Army Staff, serving as Army Chief from May 1, 1988, to June 30, 1990. Over a decorated 40-year career, he saw operational service in major conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, and commanded key formations across critical sectors. Following his military career, he devoted nearly four decades to social service, running a free medical clinic serving remote Himalayan communities.