Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a climate-resilient C4 cereal crop with exceptional adaptability to arid and semi-arid regions. Its unique morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms contribute to its high tolerance to drought, making it a valuable model for sustainable agriculture and breeding programmes. This review explored the drought resilience strategies of finger millet, focusing on its genetic traits, physiological adaptations, and molecular mechanisms. Additionally, the study examines its potential for guiding resilient cropping systems and improving drought tolerance in major crops. A comprehensive review of recent research was conducted, analysing morpho-physiological traits such as root architecture, stomatal control, and biochemical responses, including osmolyte accumulation and antioxidant activities. Molecular studies identifying stress-responsive genes and transcriptomic pathways were also evaluated. Finger millet exhibits high water use efficiency, robust root systems, and adaptive morphological traits that enhance drought resilience. Biochemical responses, such as proline and soluble sugar accumulation, mitigate osmotic stress and oxidative damage. Molecular studies identified key drought-responsive genes (EcDehydrin7, EcNAC67, EcbZIP60) and revealed syntenic relationships with Poaceae species, facilitating gene transfer for breeding. Finger millet’s diverse genetic traits and stress-tolerance mechanisms make it an essential resource for improving drought tolerance in major crops and developing climate-smart agriculture. The insights from finger millet can guide breeding programmes and agricultural practices to enhance global food security in the face of climate change.