Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Former Army Chief V N Sharma Dies at 96 in Delhi
Vishwa Nath Sharma was a top Indian Army officer who led the army from 1988 to 1990.
He was 96 years old when he died in New Delhi.
He is famous for standing his ground during a 1987 border fight with China, refusing to pull back his troops.
He also helped pull Indian soldiers out of Sri Lanka in 1989.
He warned his government not to use the army for politics, like in 1984.
He will be buried at Brar Square Crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.
His life shows how a military leader can shape history.
He is remembered for his courage and strong decisions.
His death marks the end of an era for the Indian Army.
General Vishwa Nath Sharma, former Chief of Army Staff (1988-1990), died at 96 in New Delhi.
He is remembered for refusing to withdraw forces during the 1987 Wangdung (Sumdorong Chu) standoff with China.
Sharma oversaw the orderly withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force from Sri Lanka in 1989-1990.
He warned against using the army for political actions, advising against the operation against Bhindranwale in 1984.
He will be cremated at Brar Square Crematorium in Delhi Cantonment on Saturday.
- Who
- Vishwa Nath Sharma, former Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army
- What
- Died at 96, known for refusing withdrawal during the 1987 Wangdung standoff, oversaw IPKF withdrawal, advised against political use of the army
- When
- Died on Friday (date unspecified)
- Where
- New Delhi; cremated at Brar Square Crematorium in Delhi Cantonment
- Why
- Not specified; article reports his death
- Name
- Vishwa Nath Sharma
- Rank
- General (15th Chief of Army Staff)
- Service
- Indian Army
- Date of death
- Friday
- Place of death
- New Delhi
- Notable action
- Refused withdrawal during 1987 Wangdung standoff
- Cremation
- Brar Square Crematorium