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Former Indian Army Chief General Vishwa Nath Sharma passed away in New Delhi on 31 July 2026, having served as the 14th Chief of the Army Staff from 1 May 1988 to 30 June 1990.
Commissioned into the 16th Light Cavalry in June 1950, he became the first post-Independence commissioned officer to rise to Army Chief.
As Eastern Army Commander, he played a major role during the 1987 Sumdorong Chu military stand-off with China in Arunachal Pradesh.
His younger brother, Major Som Nath Sharma, was independent India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee; General Sharma's cremation was scheduled for 1 August 2026 at Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment.
General Sharma's younger brother, Major Som Nath Sharma, was independent India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee — India's highest wartime gallantry decoration, instituted in 1947.
Simple Analogy: Two brothers from one military family, one becoming Army Chief and the other India's first-ever recipient of its highest bravery award.
Defence GK > Army Chiefs & Military History
GS Paper III > Defence & Security
A military stand-off between India and China in Arunachal Pradesh's eastern sector