More seats at the table

The news context

At the BRICS summit in New Delhi, the expanded 11-member group adopted the New Delhi Declaration. Reuters reported that the declaration called for “maximum restraint” in the Middle East despite substantial differences among members, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The declaration also emphasized dialogue, diplomacy, opposition to unilateral coercive measures, reform of global governance and a larger role for developing countries.

Associated Press reported that BRICS now represents about half of the world's population and continues to push for greater influence for developing countries in institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Its members nevertheless have competing regional interests and differing relationships with Western powers, making consensus politically significant but often difficult.

The cartoon turns that expansion and multipolar ambition into a larger dining table and a globe-shaped cake. The “GLOBAL INFLUENCE” arrows are satirical visual shorthand, not a measured ranking or statistical forecast, and the pictured dialogue and staging are fictional.

This cartoon is satire. Its visual dialogue is invented; the linked reporting provides the factual background.

1. Reuters: BRICS adopts joint declaration, urges 'maximum restraint' in Mideast ↗
2. AP: At BRICS, India's Modi warns geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks threaten global stability ↗
3. AP: BRICS leaders voice concern over Middle East, condemn unilateral sanctions at India summit ↗
4. Prime Minister of India: BRICS New Delhi Declaration ↗

Five caricatured political figures sit around a large round table beneath national flags and a large sign reading: BRICS. Beneath it, the sign reads: MORE SEATS AT THE TABLE.

At the centre of the table is a globe-shaped cake with a large slice removed. A small table card reads: A MORE MULTIPOLAR WORLD.

At the right, a waiter holds a board headed: GLOBAL INFLUENCE. The board lists: BRICS with an upward arrow, Global South with an upward arrow, and G7 with a downward arrow.

An Uncle Sam figure sits separately at a smaller table with a nearly empty plate. A table card in front of him reads: G7.

The footer reads: comicoftheday.com · 13 SEP 2026 · SATIRE.