Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96
Former Chief of the Army Staff Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma, Army chief from 1988 to 1990 and younger brother of first Param Vir Chakra awardee Maj Som Nath Sharma, died on 31 July 2026 aged 96.
Summary
Former Chief of the Army Staff General Vishwa Nath Sharma died in New Delhi on 31 July 2026 at the age of 96. He was Army chief from 30 June 1988 to 30 June 1990 and fought as a major in the 1965 Indo-Pak war in the Lahore sector. He was the younger brother of Major Som Nath Sharma, independent India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army chief Gen Dhiraj Seth paid tribute.
Key facts
- Person
- Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma (retd), PVSM, AVSM
- Died
- 31 July 2026, aged 96
- Army chief
- 30 June 1988 â 30 June 1990
- War service
- 1965 Indo-Pak war, Lahore sector
- Family
- Younger brother of Maj Som Nath Sharma, first PVC awardee
- Born
- 4 June 1930
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma, who died in July 2026, was the younger brother of which war hero?
Show answer
Correct answer: D â Maj Som Nath Sharma
He was the younger brother of Major Som Nath Sharma, independent India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.
Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma, who passed away on 31 July 2026, served as Chief of the Army Staff during which period?
Show answer
Correct answer: B â 1988â1990
He was Chief of the Army Staff from 30 June 1988 to 30 June 1990.