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When plate tectonics emerged on Earth is one of the most fundamental questions in geosciences. Nowadays, different arguments from diverse research fields (petrology, structural geology, geochemical and numerical modeling) postulate that the lithospheric subduction began sometime in the Archean-Paleoproterozoic with different styles. This study provides robust petrologic evidence for the modern-style plate tectonics onset in the Paleoproterozoic featured by low geothermal gradients. We investigated the Salma eclogite association from the Precambrian Belomorian Province (BP) on the Fennoscandian Shield (Russia). Based on the garnet chemical annuli (major and trace elements) and therein mineral inclusions, plus comprehensive zircon isotopic-chemical analyses, we establish the prograde metamorphic history of the eclogite, leading to peak conditions of 2.2-2.3 GPa, 650-670 °C prior to 1.93 Ga. We thus, for the first time, conclude cold subduction (303 ± 16 °C/GPa) proceeded in the BP, connected with the Lapland-Kola Orogen (LKO). Such conclusions are clearly against the previously argued Archean subduction scenario and "warm" tectonic setting in the BP, and are very important for understanding the geodynamics of the early Earth. Furthermore, in the light of other scarce coeval "cold" Paleoproterozoic high pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks elsewhere, we posit that modern-style plate tectonics already operated in the form of the Columbia Supercontinent. • The Precambrian Belomorian eclogite preserves prograde metamorphic imprints and records low T/P thermal gradient. • The cold Belomorian eclogite was formed 1.9 billion years ago during oceanic subduction. • The previously argued Archean eclogitization and warm subduction are highly unlikely. • Modern-style plate tectonics onset in the form of the Columbia supercontinent is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]