New Delhi : India and China have agreed to “disengage” in Doklam area in Sikkim sector where the armies of both countries have been on a standoff since the middle of June, sharply escalating tensions.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that during bilateral communications, “we were able to express our views and convey our concerns and interests”.

“On this basis, expeditious disengagement of border personnel at face-off site at Doklam has been agreed to, and is ongoing.”

The decision to disengage their troops comes ahead of a crucial BRICS summit being hosted by China in September, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend.

—IANS