New Delhi, August 1: The Indian Army bid a solemn farewell to General Vishwa Nath Sharma (Retd.), former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), who was cremated with full military honours at Brar Square Crematorium in New Delhi on Friday. General Sharma passed away on 31 July 2026 at the age of 97.
The final rites were attended by serving and retired military leaders, veterans, family members and dignitaries, who gathered to pay their last respects to one of the Indian Army’s most distinguished officers.
Army Chief Pays Floral Tribute
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, on behalf of all ranks of the Indian Army, laid a wreath and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Also present at the ceremony was General V.K. Singh (Retd.), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of the Army Staff, who paid floral tributes to the late General.
The funeral was attended by:
- Former Chief of Defence Staff
- Former Chiefs of the Army Staff
- Chief of the Air Staff
- Chief of the Naval Staff
- Serving and retired senior military officers
- Veterans and family members
Distinguished Military Career
Born in London, United Kingdom, on 4 June 1930, General V.N. Sharma hailed from one of India’s most decorated military families.
He was the younger brother of Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, and Lieutenant General Surendra Nath Sharma, who served as the Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
General Sharma joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the 16 Light Cavalry on 4 June 1950.
During his illustrious career, he held several prestigious appointments, including:
- Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)
- Commandant of the College of Combat (now Army War College), Mhow
- Commander of a Mountain Brigade in Mizoram
- Commander of an Armoured Brigade in Jaipur
- Commander of a Mountain Division in Sikkim
- Corps Commander in Mizoram
- General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command
He served as the Chief of the Army Staff from 30 April 1988 to 30 June 1990.
Throughout his military career, he was honoured with several distinguished awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
A Life of Service Beyond Uniform
Following his retirement, General Sharma devoted nearly four decades to humanitarian service.
Continuing the philanthropic legacy of his family, he operated a free tuberculosis clinic in Himachal Pradesh, travelling to remote villages in an ambulance and often trekking to inaccessible high-altitude regions to provide healthcare to underprivileged communities.
His selfless service inspired future generations of his family to continue serving society.
Enduring Legacy
The Indian Army described General V.N. Sharma as an officer whose courage, professionalism, leadership and lifelong dedication to the nation will continue to inspire generations of soldiers.
His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of distinguished military leadership and unwavering commitment to both the Armed Forces and the people of India.