Stock price when the opinion was issued
XID vs VEE (India vs. EM) VEE is Asia-ex Japan. It contains some major India stocks, plus Korea and China. With XID, you're making a country call. Do you know something about India that the world does not? He is not a country allocator. Take a look at Forstrong ETFs (https://www.forstrong.com/) who actively manage and you need that if you're so country-specific.
VEE vs. XID VEE covers EM. XID: India has a young working population who speak English. India fits well into global commerce. If they build their infrastructure, India will do well. Problem is, everyone knows India's long-term story and already have high expectations. India has been underperforming the past year, so he wants to see India cheaper and offer better performance before stepping in. Wait. Look at SCIF for India small-caps For EM, focus on Asian EMs, so go with GMF-N instead of VEE.
Tons of ETFs in emerging markets, and one of the areas you should be focused on. If he could have a fourth Top Pick, this area is an exceptional place to be looking. EM's currencies and stock markets will do well with a weaker USD (a goal of the US administration).