General Vishwa Nath Sharma: Leading the Indian Army Through a Tumultuous Era

Introduction

General Vishwa Nath Sharma, a distinguished former Chief of the Army Staff, navigated the Indian Army through a period of immense internal and external challenges. His tenure was marked by complex internal security situations, including active insurgencies in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, alongside the demanding Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka, and lingering border tensions.

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A Legacy of Service

General Vishwa Nath Sharma inherited a significant command, taking over as Chief of Army Staff from General K Sundarji, a visionary known for orchestrating Operation Brasstacks and driving significant military reforms. General Sundarji’s era had focused on mechanisation and technological advancement. In contrast, General Sharma’s leadership adopted a more measured yet intensely operational approach, balancing the critical demands of internal security with the preparedness for conventional warfare. His sister, Major Dr. Kamla Tewari, also served with distinction in the Army Medical Corps, reflecting a family tradition of dedicated service.

Navigating the Complexities of Sri Lanka

One of the most significant and demanding operational challenges that defined General Sharma’s tenure was the engagement of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. By the time he assumed command, the IPKF was already deeply involved in combat against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). What began as a peacekeeping mission had evolved into a full-scale counter-insurgency campaign against a formidable and elusive guerrilla force. Under General Sharma’s command, the Army underwent a crucial adaptation, shifting its focus from traditional battlefield tactics to the intricacies of jungle warfare, urban operations, and intelligence-driven counter-insurgency strategies. The eventual withdrawal of the IPKF commenced towards the latter part of his leadership, concluding in March 1990.

Addressing the Punjab Insurgency

Simultaneously, even as the IPKF operations continued, the Indian Army was called upon to bolster civil authorities in their efforts to combat militancy in Punjab. While the state police initially held the primary responsibility, the Army played an indispensable role in maintaining stability. Its presence was crucial in exerting sustained pressure on militant groups and preventing the insurgency from escalating further. This period was instrumental in shaping the Army’s understanding and implementation of an internal security doctrine that underscored the importance of close collaboration with state police forces, moving beyond purely tactical military engagements.

The Growing Crisis in Jammu and Kashmir

Another pivotal development during General Sharma’s command was the rapid and concerning deterioration of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The insurgency gained considerable momentum from 1989 onwards, significantly influenced by Pakistan-backed funding aimed at fostering local militant groups, coupled with cross-border infiltration and internal political instability. Although the Army was not the initial primary responder to the burgeoning militancy in the Valley, General Sharma’s tenure witnessed a progressive and significant expansion of the Army’s operational role in the region.

A Storied Military Career

General Sharma’s distinguished military career spanned an impressive 38 years, during which he held a variety of critical command, staff, and instructional appointments. As a Major, he gained valuable combat experience during the 1965 India-Pakistan War in the Lahore sector. Later, as a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded the 66 Armoured Regiment and served as an instructor at the esteemed Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, he served as Colonel General Staff Operations for an Armoured Division on the Western Front.

Upon promotion to Brigadier, he took command of both a mountain brigade and an armoured brigade situated in the challenging Rajasthan desert. He also served as Brigadier General Staff of a critical Strike Corps in the Western Sector. In 1980, he achieved the rank of Major General and led a mountain division in the Eastern Sector before moving to Army Headquarters as Deputy Director, General Military Operations. His progression continued to Lieutenant General, where he commanded a reserve Corps in the Western Sector, followed by an appointment as Commandant of the prestigious College of Combat (now the Army War College) at Mhow.

Before assuming the role of Chief of Army Staff, General Sharma served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, starting in June 1987. His tenure in this role coincided with a notable standoff with China at Sumdorong Chu along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. This incident, occurring in June 1986, stemmed from a Chinese attempt to alter the un-demarcated LAC near the village of Sumdorong Chu in the Tawang district. In response to this Chinese intrusion, under the then Army Chief General Sundarji, Indian troops occupied Yangtse in 1987. While Yangtse lay within India’s claim lines, it had not been occupied until this strategic move in 1987, a direct consequence of the Chinese action in Sumdorong Chu, which significantly put the People’s Liberation Army on notice. The Sumdorong Chu intrusion precipitated a prolonged military confrontation that was ultimately resolved through diplomatic negotiations in the mid-1990s.

Conclusion

General Vishwa Nath Sharma’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff was a critical period for the Indian Army, marked by a confluence of severe internal security threats and complex geopolitical challenges. His leadership steered the forces through intense counter-insurgency operations and managed delicate border situations, leaving a significant mark on the nation’s defence preparedness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was General Vishwa Nath Sharma?

General Vishwa Nath Sharma was a former Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.

What major operational challenges did General Sharma face?

He faced significant challenges with the IPKF operation in Sri Lanka, the Punjab insurgency, and the deteriorating security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

What was the role of the Indian Army in Sri Lanka during his tenure?

The Army was engaged in the IPKF operations, transitioning from peacekeeping to a full counter-insurgency campaign against the LTTE.

How did the Army adapt its tactics for the Sri Lankan operation?

The Army adapted from conventional warfare tactics to jungle warfare, urban operations, and intelligence-driven counter-insurgency.

What was the Army’s involvement in Punjab?

The Army supported civil authorities in combating militancy in Punjab, acting as a stabilising force and maintaining pressure on militants.

What was the situation in Jammu and Kashmir during his command?

The security situation deteriorated rapidly with the rise of insurgency, fueled by external support and internal instability.

Did General Sharma see combat action before becoming Chief of Army Staff?

Yes, he saw action during the 1965 India-Pakistan War and held key operational roles during the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

What significant command appointments did he hold before becoming Chief?

He commanded brigades, divisions, a corps, and served as Commandant of the College of Combat, and GOC-in-C of Eastern Command.

What was the Sumdorong Chu incident?

It was a military standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh during his tenure as Eastern Army Commander.

When did the withdrawal of the IPKF from Sri Lanka begin?

The withdrawal began towards the end of General Sharma’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff and was completed in March 1990.